When booking a massage, clients deserve to feel safe knowing that a responsible professional will handle their treatment. Unfortunately, many massage clients instead encounter experienced predators looking to take advantage of the intimate and high-contact nature of spa and massage settings.
While massage should be a beneficial process that can improve health and mental wellness, massage sexual assault can leave victims struggling with physical, emotional, and financial challenges for years after the attack.
Holding perpetrators and negligent spa and massage facilities accountable through sexual abuse claims allows victims to seek the justice and compensation they need to recover. Florin|Roebig attorneys have decades of combined experience navigating the complexities of sensitive sexual assault cases.
Our team of experienced sexual abuse lawyers can help with every step of the claims process, giving clients the time and space they need to recover while maximizing potential compensation. At Florin|Roebig, we are always ready to leverage our expertise to fight for you, even against national massage chains and franchises.
If you’re ready to begin seeking compensation for your massage sexual assault injuries, reach out today for a free case assessment with one of our team members.
Understanding Sexual Assault in Spa and Massage Settings
The effects of massage therapist sexual assault can complicate every aspect of a survivor’s life. Many victims struggle with physical and emotional consequences that can affect their ability to hold down a job, have relationships, and enjoy life.
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
Although the effects of massage sexual assault can be devastating, the intimate nature of massage can make massage assault difficult for survivors to recognize and report.
Spa misconduct claims vary widely in their details and cover a wide variety of inappropriate and unprofessional behavior.
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 of 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
If you have experienced fear or discomfort during a massage, even if the exact circumstances are not covered in the list above, we strongly recommend contacting a legal professional as soon as possible.
Why Spa and Massage Sexual Assault Occurs
Spa and massage sexual assault can occur anywhere massage services are offered. Private massage therapists, major chains, and local spas and clinics have all been in the news in recent years for massage sexual abuse. So, what makes spa and massage sexual assault so common?
One of the most common causes of massage sexual misconduct is therapist abuse of trust. Massages generally take place in private and require intimate contact. Experienced predators take advantage of these circumstances to abuse and manipulate clients, often for years.
For example, a recent case revealed that a Basalt, Colorado, masseuse abused eight victims before he was caught, with some incidents dating back to 2015.
In many cases, a lack of spa accountability is to blame, with business owners failing to take simple steps to protect their clients. Massage facilities frequently do not perform adequate background checks on their massage therapists or other employees, allowing predators to slip through the cracks.
Additionally, many businesses do not have policies in place to protect clients during massages or to handle sexual assault complaints quickly or thoroughly. This type of negligence makes it possible for victims to pursue compensation from the facility where their assault occurred.
Steps to Take if You Are Sexually Assaulted During a Spa or Massage Session
Sexual assault is a deeply traumatizing experience that can leave Colorado Springs sexual abuse victims struggling to understand how to proceed. Many survivors hesitate to take steps following an assault due to feelings of fear or shame.
It’s important to remember that while these feelings are natural, nothing about the assault was your fault. The blame rests entirely with the offender. All victims deserve protection and support as they work to recover and hold their abusers accountable.
The steps below offer some quick guidance on ways to protect your legal rights following massage sexual assault.
- Protect Yourself: Leave the premises and get to a safe location.
- Document everything: A record of the therapist’s details, including the date, time, and behavior can help you build a stronger case.
- Report sexual assault: File a report with local law enforcement and management at the facility where the assault occurred. It’s best to report sexual assault as soon as possible.
- Preserve the evidence: Try to preserve evidence like clothing, receipts, and witness information.
- Hire a lawyer: 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 file a sexual assault report can be difficult for many survivors. Many victims struggle with feelings of anger, helplessness, and confusion following an assault, which can make reporting feel frightening and difficult.
However, filing a spa sexual misconduct report is a critical first step in seeking justice and compensation. If you have been sexually assaulted and you feel unable to handle reporting on your own, try confiding in a trusted friend or family member who can help you begin the process.
There are several entities victims should consider when deciding where to report their abuse.
Law Enforcement
Filing a report with Colorado law enforcement is the first step to seeking state assistance with the investigation and punishment of an abuser. A criminal trial cannot proceed without an investigation by law enforcement.
Survivors can file a sexual assault report either in person at a local police station or using the police non-emergency phone number.
Management
Victims can file a report by phone, email, or in person with management at the facility where the assault occurred. If the facility is part of a larger chain or franchise, victims can also file a complaint through the contact information available on the company’s website.
Reporting to management can have immediate consequences for the abuser, who may be fired or placed on leave, both of which can help prevent them from abusing other clients.
State Licensing Board/Professional Organization
The state of Colorado has strict licensing requirements for massage therapists, including a requirement for professional insurance.
The Colorado Office of Massage Therapy Licensure is responsible for licensing and regulating massage therapists in the state. Victims can report accusations of massage sexual assault directly to this board, which will then open an investigation into the incident.
If they discover evidence of professional misconduct, the Colorado Office of Massage Therapy Licensure can issue reprimands and revoke the perpetrator’s license.
Legal Rights of Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault in Colorado
In Colorado, victims of sexual assault have the legal right to seek justice through both the civil and criminal court systems.
The decision to pursue a criminal case depends on the availability of evidence. Criminal trials require a high standard of proof, and a conviction typically results in penalties such as fines, jail time, or community service for the offender.
Civil trials, on the other hand, allow survivors to seek compensation for their injuries on their own terms. With a lower burden of proof, civil cases can succeed where criminal trials may not, offering survivors a second chance to hold their abusers accountable.
In some cases, victims may be able to pursue claims against both the perpetrator and the facility (such as a spa) where the assault occurred.
Colorado’s statute of limitations for sexual assault claims differs depending on whether the victim is pursuing a criminal or civil case. As of 2022, survivors of sexual assault can file a civil claim at any time without a time limit. However, this change only applies to assaults that occurred after the new law was enacted; those assaulted before 2022 are still subject to the previous statute of limitations.
Although Colorado’s laws provide extended opportunities for justice, it remains essential for victims to act quickly. Filing a claim sooner helps preserve vital evidence, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Why You Need a Colorado Springs Spa Massage Sexual Assault Lawyer
Because sexual assault lawsuits are sensitive and complex, seeking experienced legal representation for sexual abuse is critical for pursuing justice and compensation successfully. Working with experienced sexual assault lawyers who have the expertise and knowledge needed to navigate the legal system smoothly significantly improves your case’s chance of success.
Colorado Springs abuse attorneys help their clients investigate the assault and gather the evidence needed to build a strong case. The right lawyer eases the burden on clients by handling every step of the claims process.
Florin|Roebig’s dedicated team of sexual abuse attorneys always works to understand and respect the needs of the client. Whether you prefer an out-of-court settlement or want to pursue a civil sexual assault trial, our expert sexual abuse attorneys can help you get the compensation and justice you deserve.
Our Featured Case Results
Compensation for Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault
Compensation for Colorado Springs sexual abuse claims is usually monetary and is awarded in the form of damages. These damages can be awarded to compensate the victim or punish the perpetrator.
In many cases, victims of spa and massage sexual assault are eligible to hold both the abuser and the spa owner accountable for the harm they have suffered.
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.
Victims pursuing justice alone often miss out on critical compensation opportunities, not realizing that they are available. Seeking help from an experienced sexual abuse attorney helps ensure that you are compensated for the full range of harm done to you by all responsible parties.
Florin|Roebig attorney Taylor Roebig says, “The experience and ability of the lawyer can greatly affect the amount of compensation for sexual assault victims. When researching your options, choose someone experienced, with a documented history of success in cases like yours.”
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Sexual Assault Case
Florin|Roebig attorneys are uniquely suited to handling sensitive and complex sexual assault cases. Our team has decades of combined experience and a documented history of success with civil sexual assault cases.
Since our founding in 1985, our top-rated sexual abuse lawyers have won over $1 billion in results for clients, including a $47.4 million verdict in a massage abuse case.
Florin|Roebig’s Colorado Springs spa sexual misconduct lawyers offer every potential client a free consultation and individualized support throughout the legal process. Named one of the Best Law Firms in America by US News from 2010 to 2025, our team of dedicated personal injury experts has the reach and the resources to get clients results.
As a nationally ranked law firm with local offices, our lawyers combine detailed knowledge of local procedures with all the backing and expertise of a major firm. Florin|Roebig attorneys are always ready to help their clients fight against those who harmed them, even against big massage chains or franchises.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
FAQs About Spa Massage Sexual Assault Claims
Can I sue the spa or massage therapist for sexual assault?
Depending on the circumstances of your claim, you may be able to hold both the massage therapist and the spa accountable through a civil sexual assault lawsuit.
To pursue compensation from the facility where the assault occurred, victims must be able to show that the business behaved negligently in a way that contributed to their injuries.
What if I didn’t report the assault immediately?
Many victims feel unable to report an assault immediately after it happens. You are still eligible to file a claim even if you waited to report the assault.
How long do I have to file a claim in Colorado?
As of 2022, the statute of limitations for civil sexual assault claims in Colorado is unlimited.
Victims who were assaulted before the new ruling are still subject to the previous guidelines and have a more limited amount of time to file their claims.
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 personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning they aren’t 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
Sexual assault can have severe and long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences for survivors. Civil sexual assault lawsuits offer victims an important vehicle for seeking the compensation needed for recovery.
Colorado Springs sexual abuse lawyers provide legal help for sexual assault victims attacked in spa and massage settings. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer allows victims to focus on their health while securing the maximum compensation they are due.
Florin|Roebig attorneys have decades of combined experience navigating complex sexual assault claims. We provide every client with personalized legal guidance backed by the support of a nationally recognized law firm.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of a massage sexual assault, you don’t have to fight alone. Our team will fight to get you the compensation and justice you deserve.
Contact Florin|Roebig today to discuss your case or schedule a free evaluation.
- Fill out our online form anytime, and we’ll reply promptly.
- Call the phone number for your area 24/7.
- Use our chat feature day or night.