Sexual assault is generally forced sexual intercourse, sodomy, or other sexual penetration of another person—against the person’s will and without the person’s consent. And although precise definitions and punishments vary from state to state, the criminal offense of aggravated sexual assault generally includes aggravating circumstances that increase the severity of the sexual assault—such as when the assailant or perpetrator uses, displays, or threatens the victim with a deadly weapon (a gun or knife); when the assailant uses a rape drug to incapacitate the victim; or when the victim is a child under a certain age, as defined by the statute.

In Massachusetts, sexual assault, often referred to as rape, is defined under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, Section 22. The law considers it a crime to have sexual intercourse or unnatural sexual intercourse with another person forcibly and against their will, or without their consent. Aggravated sexual assault in Massachusetts includes circumstances that increase the gravity of the offense, such as the use or threat of a deadly weapon, causing serious bodily injury, or assaulting a child under 16. Additionally, the use of drugs to incapacitate the victim is also considered an aggravating factor. The penalties for sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault in Massachusetts are severe and can include lengthy prison sentences. The exact punishment depends on the specific circumstances of the crime and the presence of aggravating factors.