There are many reasons to schedule a massage. Some clients may want a novel and soothing experience while on vacation in Colorado. Others may use massage as an essential part of their routine care to manage conditions like chronic pain or migraines.
The privacy and intimate touch required by massage puts clients in a vulnerable position. While every client deserves to feel safe and respected during their treatment, the reality is that many are subjected to the violence and degradation of spa and massage assault.
Abusers embedded in the massage industry often operate unchecked for years, harming multiple victims. Reporting massage assault is the first step to pursuing justice, seeking compensation, and mitigating the harm done by serial abusers and the institutions that shelter them.
If you’ve experienced spa or massage sexual assault in Aurora, seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Florin|Roebig attorneys help clients with every step of the legal process, building strong sexual abuse claims to hold both abusers and negligent spa owners accountable.
Our team of expert sexual abuse attorneys will always fight to get you the maximum compensation you are due. We’ll assess your case for free, so reach out today for legal help after the assault.
Understanding Sexual Assault in Spa and Massage Settings
Massage therapist sexual assault can be difficult for victims to understand and identify. Many abusers explain or excuse inappropriate behavior as a mistake or simply part of the standard massage process, leaving clients ashamed and confused.
Additionally, spa misconduct claims vary in their details and severity. Some victims are subjected to sudden, intense violence, while others may be harassed verbally or pressured into more intimate forms of contact.
The list below provides some examples of massage sexual assault, but it is by no means complete. If you have been hurt, frightened, or made uncomfortable during a massage session, we strongly advise you to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Examples of inappropriate behavior during a massage:
- Sexual or inappropriate comments
- Nonconsensual bodywork or inappropriate touching during massage
- Failure to respect boundaries (i.e., touching areas you have asked them to avoid)
- Exposure to sexual body parts
- Attempts to initiate sexual contact during or after massage
- Excessive force
- Removal of clothing or covering against your will
- Nonconsensual sexual acts
- Penetration of any kind
Spa and massage assaults have serious physical, mental, and social consequences for survivors. Many victims face challenges at work, in their relationships, and in resuming usual activities following an attack.
Impacts of sexual abuse:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dissociation
- Eating disorders
- Flashbacks
- Insomnia
- Isolation
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Panic attacks
- Physical pain/discomfort
- PTSD
- Self-harm
- Sleep disorders
- Sexually transmitted infections (STI)
- Vaginismus
Florin|Roebig attorney Taylor Roebig says, “Sexual assault is chronically underreported due to complex social factors triggering feelings of shame, guilt, and responsibility in victims. Remember that sexual assault is never your fault. Survivors deserve expert support and guidance as they seek justice and compensation for their injuries.”
Why Spa and Massage Sexual Assault Occurs
Spa and massage assault has been big news in recent years, with major massage chains, local businesses, and private home masseuses all facing charges from victims of massage sexual abuse. Survivors have won significant victories through the civil court system, holding perpetrators accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
So, with so much pressure to fix things and so much money on the line, why is massage assault still so widespread? One of the most persistent causes of massage sexual misconduct is a lack of spa accountability.
Many businesses do not take adequate steps to protect clients before, during, and after sessions. Some common problems with spas and massage facilities include:
- Inadequate background checks of massage therapists and spa staff
- A lack of preventative measures, like panic buttons in easy reach of clients
- No formal procedures for handling, investigating, and escalating client complaints
Negligence by spa owners can enable therapist misconduct to go unchecked for years, allowing serial abusers to continue harming clients before facing justice. In one recent case, a masseuse in Basalt, Colorado, was found to have abused eight clients, with some incidents dating back to 2015.
Steps to Take if You Are Sexually Assaulted During a Spa or Massage Session
According to RAINN—an organization founded to support and assist survivors of assault—an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. Many of these victims will never report their assault, dealing with the repercussions in silence.
It doesn’t have to be that way. Aurora sexual abuse victims have options for support and guidance. If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted and you’re unsure of what to do next, the guidelines below offer some simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your rights after massage abuse.
- Protect Yourself: Get to a safe location as quickly as possible. Your safety is the most important thing. Never hesitate to stop a session if you feel threatened or uncomfortable.
- Document everything: Recording the therapist’s details, including the date, time, and behavior, can help you build a stronger case.
- Report the incident: It’s best to report sexual assault as soon as possible. File a report with local law enforcement and management at the facility where the assault occurred.
- Preserve the evidence: Try to preserve evidence like clothing, receipts, and witness information. A sexual abuse lawyer can help you gather the evidence you need for a strong claim.
- Hire a lawyer: Seeking legal representation is the best thing you can do to protect your legal rights to justice and compensation. An experienced sexual assault lawyer can help you with every step of the claims process, maximizing your potential compensation while allowing you to focus on recovery.
Reporting Sexual Assault to Authorities and Institutions
Choosing to report sexual assault is a crucial first step in seeking justice and compensation. However, it is a step many survivors struggle to take, grappling with feelings of shame, confusion, and fear.
Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Try confiding in a trusted friend or family member who can help you access legal resources and professional guidance. A good sexual assault attorney can guide you through the reporting process, easing feelings of anxiety.
Reporting to the entities listed below helps put survivors on the path to recovery, compensation, and justice.
Law Enforcement
Victims should file a sexual assault report with Colorado law enforcement as soon as possible after the assault occurs. The longer you wait to file a report, the more likely it is that crucial evidence will degrade and important witnesses will move on.
Filing a report with law enforcement can lead to an investigation and possible criminal prosecution for the abuser. Victims can report crimes in person at a local police station or using the police non-emergency number.
Management
Survivors can make a spa sexual misconduct report to the business where the incident occurred in person, by phone, or through email. If the assault happened at a chain or franchise, victims can also use contact information on the corporate website to report the incident to upper management.
Reporting to the business can have professional consequences for the abuser, who may be placed on leave or fired, reducing their opportunity to harm others.
State Licensing Board/Professional Organization
Colorado has strict licensing requirements for massage therapists, which The Colorado Office of Massage Therapy Licensure regulates.
This office investigates reports of massage sexual assault and can revoke an abuser’s license or issue reprimands.
Legal Rights of Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault in Colorado
Sexual assault is a serious crime, and perpetrators can be held accountable through both the civil and criminal court systems. The choice to bring criminal charges against an abuser rests with the state following an investigation by law enforcement.
Conviction in a criminal trial requires the state to provide proof of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. The goal of a criminal trial is punishment for the perpetrator, which can include fines, community service, and jail time.
Civil personal injury trials are an essential tool for protecting the legal right of victims to seek justice and compensation on their own terms. Civil claims have a lower burden of proof, giving many victims a second chance to hold their abusers accountable, even if a criminal trial did not succeed.
Colorado sexual assault laws allow victims to hold both the abusers and negligent spa owners accountable for their injuries. Colorado also has one of the most generous statutes of limitations for sexual abuse claims in the nation, offering survivors an unlimited amount of time to file a civil claim as of 2022.
Why You Need an Aurora Spa Massage Sexual Assault Lawyer
When pursuing complex and sensitive sexual assault cases, not all lawyers are created equal. Working with experienced sexual assault lawyers with a documented history of success with Colordao sexual assault litigation makes a difference for those who want to pursue the maximum potential compensation.
By ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable for their part in your injuries—including the spa owner or the franchise—your lawyer can help you receive the full compensation you are due.
Florin|Roebig’s Aurora abuse attorneys help clients investigate and gather evidence to build a strong case that will hold up at the negotiating table or in court. Our team provides high-quality legal representation for sexual abuse to every client, striving to help them get the highest possible award with the least amount of stress.
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Compensation for Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault
Survivors who file successful Aurora sexual abuse claims can expect compensation in the form of damages. Damages can be awarded to compensate the victim or punish the defendant.
Most compensation for sexual assault victims is monetary, but victims can seek other forms of compensation with the help of their lawyer.
Types of damages in abuse cases:
- Compensatory damages: Compensatory damages compensate the victim for the tangible and intangible harm they have received due to the assault. They can cover medical expenses, such as physical injuries or therapy, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other financial losses.
- Punitive damages: Punitive damages in abuse cases are awarded to punish the perpetrator in cases of gross negligence by the spa or therapist. They are meant to deter future negligence and bad behavior.
Florin|Roebig attorney Taylor Roebig says, “Many survivors begin the claims process seeking compensation for physical injuries. The right lawyer can help you understand all of the different types of damages you are eligible for, leveraging their expertise to maximize your compensation.”
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Sexual Assault Case
Named one of the Best Law Firms in America by US News from 2010 to 2025, Florin|Roebig’s Aurora spa sexual misconduct lawyers are always ready to help spa and massage assault survivors fight for the compensation they are due.
Since our founding in 1985, our firm has won over $1 billion in results for clients, including a record-setting $47.4 million verdict in a Florida massage abuse case. Florin|Roebig attorneys have a documented history of success backed by decades of combined experience navigating complex sexual assault cases.
Our Colorado offices are staffed by top-rated sexual abuse lawyers with the right combination of local legal knowledge and national reputation to handle even the most challenging cases. At Florin|Roebig, we understand that every claim is different and offer clients a personalized approach suited to their needs.
Get to know our team through a free initial consultation. We’ll listen to the facts of your claim and offer you our plan for the best possible outcomes for the case based on your unique circumstances.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
FAQs About Spa Massage Sexual Assault Claims
Can I sue the spa or massage therapist for sexual assault?
Yes, in many cases, victims can hold both the perpetrator and the business owner or facility responsible for their injuries.
To seek compensation from the spa owner, survivors and their legal team must prove that the business engaged in negligence that directly contributed to the harm the victim received during the assault.
What if I didn’t report the assault immediately?
Many victims are unable or unwilling to report sexual assault immediately due to complex social and emotional factors.
Colorado’s sexual assault laws account for this common trauma response, allowing victims to file a claim even if they waited to report their assault.
How long do I have to file a claim in Colorado?
Since 2022, Colorado has allowed survivors an unlimited amount of time to file a civil sexual assault claim.
Unfortunately, this ruling only affects those whose assaults have occurred since the new guidelines passed. The previous statute of limitations still binds those assaulted before 2022.
In either case, it’s best to report sexual assault as soon as possible to avoid any potential legal or practical complications.
What types of evidence do I need for a sexual abuse case?
Your lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence. Witness statements, receipts, communication records, police reports, medical records and evaluations, and CCTV footage can all be used as evidence in sexual assault trials.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for my case?
Most reputable sexual assault lawyers work on contingency, meaning they don’t get paid unless you win your case. After a win, they are paid a predetermined percentage of the award amount.
Find the Help You Need Today at Florin|Roebig
Survivors of sexual assault often face significant social, emotional, and physical burdens as a result of their injuries. Many urgently need compensation to cover medical bills, pay for therapy, or recover lost income.
Filing a sexual assault claim allows victims to pursue justice and compensation for their injuries and holds perpetrators and negligent spa and massage facilities accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Taking legal action can be intimidating, especially for those unfamiliar with the legal system, but Aurora sexual abuse lawyers can help make the process easier and less stressful for victims, allowing them to focus on healing.
Florin|Roebig attorneys offer personalized legal help for sexual assault victims, treating every client with sensitivity and respect. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact Florin|Roebig today to discuss your case or schedule a free evaluation.
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