Press Release: 3/6/2025

Officials to Hold Virtual Press Conference on Age of Consent Legislation

Legislative Press Contacts:

James Bartlett (SD.1367)

James.Bartlett@MASenate.gov

Cell: 978-726-7318

Serena Keenan (HD.2209)

Serena.Keenan@MAHouse.gov

Cell: 413-854-4623

Berkshire DA Contact:

Julia Sabourin

Julia.Sabourin@mass.gov

Cell: 413-884-3000

March 6, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

BOSTON, MASS – March 6, 2025 – Senator Joan B. Lovely, Representative Leigh Davis, Berkshire District Attorney

Timothy J. Shugrue, Essex District Attorney Paul F. Tucker, and ENOUGH ABUSE Executive Director Jetta Bernier will

hold a virtual press conference on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 10 a.m. to discuss SD.1367/HD.2209: An Act Relative to

Sexual Assaults by Adults in Positions of Authority or Trust.

This critical legislation aims to close a dangerous loophole in Massachusetts law by criminalizing sexual conduct between

adults in positions of authority or trust in a public or private school setting and minors under their supervision. Under current

law, adults in these roles cannot be prosecuted for this type of misconduct if the minor is 16 or older, the legal age of consent

in Massachusetts. SD.1367/HD.2209 addresses this gap, recognizing the inherent power imbalance that enables coercion

and exploitation.

WHEN:

Monday, March 10, 2025

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

WHERE:

ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/RpnB47aZTXa8eLRCM9wtqA

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

WHO:

Berkshire District Attorney Timothy J. Shugrue

Representative Leigh Davis

Senator Joan B. Lovely

Essex District Attorney Paul F. Tucker

Jetta Bernier, Executive Director, ENOUGH ABUSE