Definition:
Sexual assault and rape are crimes of violence and control, using sex acts as a weapon. Rape and sexual assault are not sexually motivated acts; rather, they stem from aggression, rage, sexism, and the determination to exercise power over someone else. Rape is also a legal term that is defined in Massachusetts by three elements: penetration of any orifice by any object; force or threat of force; against the will of the victim. Sexual assault is often more broadly defined as any sexual activity that is forced or coerced or unwanted.
Rape Crisis Centers
- For counseling services, support groups, and advocacy services, please call the nearest rape crisis center. Each center is open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week
- To speak to a rape crisis counselor in Spanish (Linea directa para sobrevivientes de abuso sexual), call the 24-hour statewide Spanish hotline: 1-800-223-5001
- For deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, TTY: 1-800-688-4889
Central Massachusetts
| Rape Crisis Center of Central Mass. | Worcester | 800-870-5905 Hotline 508-852-7600 TTY |
| Rape Crisis Center of Central Mass. | Fitchburg | 800-870-5905 |
| Wayside Victim Services | Milford | 800-511-5070 Hotline 508-478-4205 TTY |
| Voices Against Violence | Framingham | 800-593-1125 Hotline 508-626-8686 TTY |
Link: http://www.mass.gov/eopss/crime-prev-personal-sfty/personal-sfty/sexual-and-dom-viol/