Sexual Violence
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault can be defined as any type of sexual activity that is not agreed to and is unwanted, including:
- Inappropriate touching
- Rape, which includes vaginal, anal, or oral penetration
- Attempted rape
- Engaging in any type of sexual activity (physical, verbal or visual) with a child, even if the child says “yes” at the time
- Sexual contact while someone is incapacitated due to alcohol or other drugs
There are several crimes that one or more of these behaviors may fit under. Some non-physical sexual behavior may also be considered assault or harassment. Examples of this are voyeurism (when someone watches private sexual acts), exhibitionism (when someone exposes him/herself in public), and verbal sexual harassment.
Reporting Assaults
The Hadley Police Department strives to offer the best police and social services to survivors of sexual assaults. The Hadley Police Department has access to sexual assault investigators, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. If you'd like to speak to an investigator, please call the Hadley Police Department at 413-584-0883 or stop by the station located at 15 East Street, Hadley, MA.
Common Reactions to a Sexual Assault