Massachusetts Law About Rape and Sexual Assault
Rape Generally
Rape: MGL c.265, s.22
Comm. v. Blache, 450 Mass. 583 (2008). In a rape case in which lack of consent due to intoxication is an issue, the prosecution must prove not only intoxication, but 1) that the intoxication rendered the complainant incapable of consent and 2) that the defendant knew or should have known that the condition rendered the complainant incapable of consenting.
Suliveres v. Commonwealth, 449 Mass. 112 (2007). Court held that "intercourse where consent is achieved by fraud does not constitute rape." The Commonwealth had alleged that the woman believed she was having sex with her boyfriend, when in fact it was her boyfriend's brother. This decision upheld the court's 1959 decision in Commonwealth v. Goldenberg, 338 Mass. 377, which held that "it is not rape when consent to sexual intercourse is obtained through fraud or deceit." The court called on the Legislature to amend the rape statute, G. L. c. 265, § 22, if they felt that sex through fraud should be categorized as rape.
Drugging Victim
Drugging for Sexual Intercourse: MGL c.272, s.3
Commonwealth v. LeBlanc, 456 Mass. 135 (2010). "Merely making alcohol or drugs available is not enough to convict under G. L. c. 272, § 3."
Rape of a Child
Without Force
Child Under 14: MGL c.265, s. 13B-13B-3/4
Child Under 16 (commonly known as statutory rape): MGL c.255, s. 23-23B
Child Under 18: MGL c.272, s.4
With Force
Child Under 16: MGL c.265, s.22A and s.23
Other Specialized Categories
Elderly or Disabled Person: MGL c.265, s.13H and s.13K
Mentally Retarded Person: MGL c.265, s.13F
Other Web Sources
Massachusetts Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program (SANE), Mass. Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Links to application materials and more. "The mission of the SANE Program is the delivery of time-sensitive, compassionate, coordinated care to victims of sexual assault by registered nurses and physicians who have been trained, certified, and credentialed through the MA Department of Public Health."