State Sen. Jim Marzilli, a Democrat, represents a suburban district north of Boston. His lawyer told the Boston Herald that Marzilli was seeking treatment at McLean Hospital, one of the country's best-known psychiatric facilities.

Marzilli was arrested this week in Lowell on charges that include assault and lewd and lascivious conduct. Police said that in once incident the senator grabbed a woman by the crotch and then fled, with police following him on foot through the city.

Police said that at least five women have come forward with complaints, including one who said he followed her making obscene comments.

Marzilli was released on $1,500 bail.

Sen. Scott Brown, a Republican, said that most of his colleagues appear to think Marzilli, elected to the Senate in a special election last year, should quit.

"I was talking to a group of people and I think to a person, every one said they would resign, and that's a group of six or seven senators," Brown said.