{"id":374025,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-sexual-assault-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-05-29T15:11:48","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T20:11:48","slug":"massachusetts-sexual-assault-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-sexual-assault-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Massachusetts Sexual Assault Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Massachusetts Sexual Assault Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Massachusetts law defines sexual assault as any crime where the offender subjects their victim to unwanted and offensive sexual touching. In sexual assault<\/a> cases, the defendant forces unwanted sexual contact on the victim. It can involve groping, fondling, or actual inappropriate touching. There is no requirement that sexual intercourse or penetration take place.<\/p>\r\n

It\u2019s important to understand that rape is a type of sexual assault<\/a>. However, not all sexual assaults involve rape. For example, law enforcement would consider a person grabbing someone else’s buttocks without their permission to be sexual assault, even though there is no actual sex.<\/p>\r\n

This article explains how Massachusetts sexual assault laws work, including the penalties and defenses to these sex crimes. If you\u2019re facing sexual assault charges, it’s a good idea to contact an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Types of Sexual Assault in Massachusetts<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The State of Massachusetts refers to sexual assault as indecent assault and battery. The terms can be used interchangeably.<\/p>\r\n

Massachusetts law lists two categories of sexual assault. The first is indecent assault and battery, and the second is aggravated sexual assault. If a defendant causes harm to their victim as a result of the indecent assault, the state will elevate the charges to aggravated indecent assault.<\/p>\r\n

If the victim requires medical attention after a sexual assault, it becomes a case of aggravated sexual assault. Aggravated sexual assault carries much harsher penalties, including a longer prison sentence.<\/p>\r\n

The crime of indecent assault and battery involves a defendant manipulating, coercing, or forcing sexual contact on their victim. The same is true for aggravated sexual assault. A conviction for either of these sex crimes will result in a prison sentence and mandatory registration with the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board.<\/p>\r\n

Elements of the Crime<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The state must prove each element of a criminal offense to convict you. If you\u2019re facing criminal charges for sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, or aggravated rape, you should know what these elements are.<\/p>\r\n

The elements for indecent assault and battery are as follows:<\/p>\r\n