Citizens Police Academy Week 6 – Sexual assault, offender laws and domestic violence

Sexual assault, sex offenders and domestic violence were the topics we learned about during the fifth week of the Waltham Police Department’s Citizens Academy.

Detective Christopher Bastarache, a certified sexual assault investigator, opened the session by outlining the intensive requirements for officers who handle these cases. Officials must undergo a specialized 40-hour training regimen before certification.

Bastarache reviewed various state statutes, including rape (victims over 16), statutory rape (victims under 16), indecent assault and battery, and human trafficking. Human trafficking is typically prosecuted at the state and federal levels because it often involves multiple legal jurisdictions.

He said nearly 63% of sexual assaults go unreported. Survivors, said Bastarache, often grapple with lasting impacts such as fear, trust issues, anger, mood swings and recurring nightmares. Rape cases are heard exclusively in Superior Court and require a grand jury indictment, meaning victims may have to retell their experiences multiple times before trial. Massachusetts provides specialized support, including victim witness advocates and sexual assault victim advocates.

The presentation also covered modern technological threats. Bastarache highlighted recent state laws targeting sexting, revenge porn and sextortion, offenses which often involve international actors and are routinely investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Convicted sexual offenders are classified under a three-tier system. Level 2 and Level 3 offenders’ identities are public and accessible online and through local police departments.

Spotlight on domestic violence

Detective Linda Moschner, a 32-year police veteran, spoke about domestic violence in Waltham. Moschner said Waltham records more than 800 annual incidents on average, with a notable number of repeat calls involving the same individuals.

“Domestic violence touches every demographic,” including homeless individuals, teens, high school students and couples of all genders, she said.

Local protocols call for two officers and one sergeant to respond to domestic incidents. Parties are separated. A person accused of physical abuse is immediately arrested and held in jail for at least six hours. Victims are offered help getting restraining orders and are connected with groups such as Reach: Beyond Domestic Violence and The Second Step for support and assistance.

When children are present at the scene, the state’s Department of Children and Families evaluates the situation, although this does not automatically lead to their removal from the household.

If someone breaks a restraining order, that individual can be kept in jail until seen by a judge. The judge might decide the person is too dangerous to release and order the individual to stay in jail for up to 120 days without bail.

The overarching objective of these policies, the detectives emphasized, is to protect victims and connect individuals and families with supportive resources to ensure their safety.