| Sexual
Assault Investigation Unit
The
Hanson Police Department has five officers that have
been trained as Sexual Assault Investigators.
Due to the very sensitive nature of sexual assault crimes,
investigators undergo an extensive training program
at the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training Academy.
The training covers all types of sexual assaults, including
rape, indecent assault & battery and child pornography.
Lieutenant
Richard Gredler is the supervisor of the sexual
assault unit. If you have any questions or concerns
about sexual assaults or you are unsure what types of
assault or inappropriate touching are considered sexual
assaults or other criminal activity, you can direct
your inquiry to Lieutenant Gredler at 781-293-4620 or
by email: rgredler@hansonpolice.org
If a sexual assault has just occurred, call
911. A Police Officer will be immediately dispatched
to your location to assure your safety. A sexual assault
investigator will be notified to investigate the report
expeditiously.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED.....
If you have been sexually assaulted, remember, reporting
a sexual assault may lessen the chances of it happening
to others. And regardless of whether or not a criminal
complaint is sought, there are many support services
available to you.
Here are some general guidelines
for victims of sexual assaults:
If the Assault Occurred Recently...
-Get to a safe place and call someone-the police (call
911), a friend, or a family member. Don't try
to deal with this trauma by yourself.
- Seek medical attention immediately for possible injuries,
sexually transmitted diseases, or pregnancy. Evidence
will be collected to be used later to prosecute criminal
charges. You can remain anonymous and still receive
medical attention.
- To preserve evidence, do not shower, wash, bathe,
or douche. Try not to urinate.
- If you change clothes, place the clothes from the
incident in a paper bag (plastic destroys evidence).
- Regardless of whether or not you desire proceed with
criminal charges, there are many support services available
to you.
If
the Assault Occurred Some Time Ago...
- You may just now be realizing that you still have
options available to you. In Massachusetts, certain
instances of sexual assault can be successfully prosecuted,
many years after it has occurred. Even though
the assault was not previously reported.
- Medical attention may still be needed for treatment
of physical symptoms.
- Seek counseling. Unresolved experiences of sexual
assault can have long-term psychological effects.Remember!
Sexual Assault is Never the Victim's Fault.
Resources are There for You.
Believe in Yourself.
Get Support.
It Takes Time to Heal.
If someone you know has been sexually assaulted...
- Make time to listen. Be supportive and non-judgmental.
Avoid making decisions for the victim.
- Believe the victim. Accept what you hear.
Don't minimize the experience. Don't let your
own biases get in the way.
- Make it clear that the sexual assault was not the
victim's fault. Avoid " Why? " questions-they
may sound blaming.
- Offer options. Encourage action. Suggest
seeking medical attention, calling the police, contacting
a counseling center or a rape crisis center for emotional
support.
- Let the victim decide what actions to take.
Making choices helps one to regain control lost during
the assault.
- Get help yourself. You may need to talk to someone
about your feelings.
Here are some other resources
and contact numbers
- SOUTH SHORE WOMEN'S CENTER
- WOMAN'S PLACE (24 hour hotline for sexual assault)
508-588-8255
- Brockton Hospital Emergency Room
508-941-7400
- RAPE CRISIS HOTLINE 508-941-7000
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