For Denver sexual assault victims, Florin|Roebig attorneys are dedicated to ensuring that perpetrators see punishment and survivors see compensation and justice. Read on to learn more about the Denver spa sexual assault lawyers at Florin|Roebig and how we have already secured millions in settlements for sexual abuse claims across four states.
Understanding Sexual Assault in Spa and Massage Settings
It is important to be clear about what constitutes massage therapist sexual assault within a professional therapy setting, as the service usually requires a certain level of both nudity and physical touching.
Definition Of Sexual Assault And Misconduct Within A Spa Or Massage Environment
Sexual assault and misconduct in a spa or massage environment refers to any unwanted or inappropriate touching during massage or sexual behavior that occurs during a treatment or therapy session. Spa misconduct claims can also refer to instances where boundaries or expectations for treatment are violated.
Common Forms Of Inappropriate Behavior
Massage therapists can engage in numerous types of inappropriate behavior, several of them unique to the setting of a massage spa.
Examples of inappropriate behavior and forms of sexual assault in a massage setting include:
- Unwarranted and unwanted sexual contact or sexual acts
- Violating boundaries the client has set for the session
- Verbal harassment or abuse
- Exposing of genitals to the client
- Sexual comments or sexual harassment
- Requesting the client to touch them
Essentially, inappropriate behavior in a massage setting can be considered anything that makes the client uncomfortable and which was not part of the agreed-upon massage.
Emotional, Psychological, And Physical Impact On Victims
Sexual assault can have severe implications for survivors, oftentimes affecting them for years and even the rest of their lives.
Impacts that sexual assault has on victims include:
- Lingering shock and fear
- Mental health issues such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Feelings of shame or guilt
- Wanting to withdraw or isolate from friends and family members
- Physical injuries, including sexually transmitted infections
- Unwanted pregnancy
- Development of substance use disorders
- Low self-esteem
Why Spa and Massage Sexual Assault Occurs
The causes of massage sexual misconduct are many, some of which are a result of the industry itself while others are the result of errors of judgment within specific massage establishments.
Exploitation Of Trust In Professional Massage Settings
Professional massage therapists must be aware of the power dynamics that exist in the relationships with their clients and always follow ethical guidelines.
When these relationships are exploited and there is a therapist abuse of trust, boundaries are often broken and consent and confidentiality are not upheld.
Inadequate Background Checks On Massage Therapists Or Spa Employees
In some instances, the massage spa itself may be responsible for not performing proper background checks on their employees and especially their massage therapists.
In these cases of spa accountability, a therapist with a questionable history can easily slip through the cracks and find employment working on clients.
Insufficient Policies For Preventing And Addressing Client Complaints
Facilities may also not have adequate policies in place to protect their clients and to hear complaints when they are needed.
Not only does this make clients feel as though they are not cared about, but it also prevents important errors from being fixed.
Steps to Take if You Are Sexually Assaulted During a Spa or Massage Session
Always ensure you are aware of how to protect your legal rights and report sexual assault.
Denver sexual abuse victims can take the following steps if they have been involved in an incident at a spa or massage parlor.
Ensure Immediate Safety
As soon as you are able to do so safely, leave the premises and find a secure location. Depending on what occurred, you may also want to contact law enforcement immediately.
Document the Incident
In addition to recording the date and time of your appointment, make sure to take down any details you can about the therapist and how they behaved or what they said to you.
Report the Incident
As soon as you can, report the incident to both spa management and law enforcement, describing the incident in as much detail as you can.
Preserve Any Evidence
This can include receipts from your appointment, statements from witnesses, and any clothing that you were wearing during the incident.
Reporting Sexual Assault to Authorities and Institutions
It is always your choice whether or not to file a sexual assault report, but know that doing so can help prevent future victims from going through the same thing you did.
How To File A Police Report For Sexual Assault In Colorado
If you decide to file a spa sexual misconduct report with the police, you will need to call or visit the police for the jurisdiction that the incident happened in.
When reporting sexual assault, many police departments allow you to have an advocate. These advocates are typically community-based or work for the police department itself.
You have a few different options when reporting to Colorado law enforcement:
- Report the incident to the police and have them open an investigation
- Report the incident to the police without having them open an investigation
- Report the incident to the police anonymously
You will also have the option to decide whether or not to have a sexual assault evidence kit collected, even if you are reporting anonymously.
Reporting The Incident To Spa Management Or Corporate Offices
In addition to filing a police report, you can consider reporting the incident to the management of the specific facility and their corporate offices. You can most likely connect to their corporate offices through the specific branch or visit their website.
Contacting Licensing Boards For Massage Therapists And Other Governing Bodies
You may want to take your actions another step further by contacting the licensing boards for massage therapists and letting them know about your experience with a certain licensed therapist.
In addition to losing their job at the specific spa location, they may then lose their license and be unable to obtain any further employment as a massage therapist.
Legal Rights of Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault in Colorado
Victims of sexual abuse in Colorado should be aware of their legal rights and how they can pursue legal action.
Overview Of Colorado Laws Regarding Sexual Assault And Victim Rights
It is important that survivors of sexual assault in Colorado are aware that they have several options when it comes to pursuing legal action and protecting themselves.
Colorado sexual assault laws that apply to survivors include:
- Colorado Victim Rights Act – The Victim Rights Act mandates Law Enforcement, the Office of the District Attorney, the Courts, Corrections, and Parole and Probation Offices to provide information and rights to the victims of violent crime, including sexual assault.
- Civil or criminal processes – victims have the option to pursue the criminal justice process, where the perpetrator could face incarceration or probation, or the civil legal process, where the victim sues the responsible parties in civil court.
- Protection orders – also known as a restraining order, these orders prevent the perpetrator from contacting the victim or anyone they know for the duration of the criminal process.
- Housing safety – in Colorado, survivors of sexual assault have the legal option to break a lease if they feel concerned for their safety.
Explanation Of The Statute Of Limitations For Filing A Civil Or Criminal Case
The statute of limitations places a time limit on how long the victims of crimes have to press charges or file lawsuits.
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims and sexual assault civil cases is 20 years. If the victim is under 18 at the time of the crime, the statute of limitations starts when they turn 18. For child sexual abuse cases in Colorado, there is no statute of limitations.
Legal Recourse Against Both The Perpetrator And The Spa For Negligence
Depending on the circumstances of your case, there is a good chance that you may be eligible for legal action against both the individual perpetrator and the spa itself.
This can ensure that not only does the sex offender face the appropriate legal consequences, but the spa is also forced to take actions to change their policies and prevent future reoccurrences.
Why You Need a Denver Spa Massage Sexual Assault Lawyer
Sexual assault cases are both complicated and delicate in nature, requiring a confident yet compassionate lawyer in order to reach the best possible outcome.
Importance Of Hiring A Skilled Lawyer To Navigate The Complex Legal Process
Sexual assault cases can be complex, and most people do not possess the legal knowledge needed to navigate the legal process.
A skilled Denver abuse attorney will have the expertise and knowledge to handle your case and will also have the resources of an entire legal team and law firm behind them.
How A Lawyer Can Investigate The Incident, Gather Evidence, And Build A Strong Case
An experienced sexual assault lawyer from Florin|Roebig will know just how to investigate the incident while making sure that every detail is looked at, as well as how to gather evidence and build the strongest case possible.
Without a strong lawyer and legal representation for sexual abuse on your side, you could neglect to claim all the possible damages or miss important pieces of evidence that could support your arguments.
Benefits Of Pursuing Civil Claims For Compensation Alongside Criminal Charges
By filing a civil lawsuit or claim, you are seeking financial compensation that can be used towards things like medical bills and therapy costs.
You deserve this financial compensation just as the abuser deserves to be punished, and this compensation can ensure you do not suffer financial hardship in addition to emotional hardship.
Our Featured Case Results
Compensation for Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault
The goal of filing a sexual assault lawsuit is to recover compensation for sexual assault victims for damages related to injuries from the incident, both physical and emotional.
Types Of Damages Victims May Recover
There are several different types of damages that victims may recover from sexual assault cases. Some of the damages in abuse cases may be measurable and tangible, such as medical expenses, while others are more abstract, like pain and suffering.
Types of damages claimed by sexual assault victims include:
- Medical expenses, both for physical injuries or for counseling and therapy
- Pain and suffering, related to emotional trauma experienced
- Lost wages or financial losses
- Punitive damages for gross negligence by the spa or therapist
The Role Of A Lawyer In Ensuring Victims Receive Fair Compensation
People who work with lawyers on Denver sexual abuse claims often report better outcomes and higher compensation when their cases are settled.
This is because skilled lawyers are experts at the negotiations involved in reaching a high, yet fair, compensation amount.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Sexual Assault Case
Florin|Roebig Attorney Taylor D. Roebig has this to say about her team of Denver spa sexual misconduct lawyers, “When it comes to filing a sexual assault case, there is no law firm with more experience or compassion than Florin|Roebig.”
Sexual assault cases take a special level of skill and understanding, and the Florin|Roebig attorneys have proven that they have what it takes.
Florin|Roebig’s Experience In Handling Sexual Assault And Abuse Claims
Florin|Roebig attorneys have decades of experience working on sexual assault and battery cases of all kinds and are considered top-rated sexual abuse lawyers across multiple states.
Whether you are located in Colorado, Florida, Texas, or Minnesota, Florin|Roebig has expert attorneys ready to take your sexual abuse case.
Track Record Of Success In Representing Sexual Abuse Victims
Florin|Roebig has secured more than $1 Billion for our clients so far, including a $47.4 Million verdict in a massage sexual assault case.
This verdict broke records in the state of Florida for such cases, and the law team of Florin|Roebig is proud of what they were able to accomplish for their client.
Personalized Approach
At Florin|Roebig, we don’t just work for our clients, we work with our clients to pursue justice and compensation. This means taking a personalized approach and treating all of our clients with the utmost care and respect.
Free Consultations And Support Throughout The Legal Process
We want to know your story and are offering free case reviews in order to get you started and help determine your eligibility.
Not only can we get you started, but we will be there for you throughout every step of the legal process with guidance and legal advice.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
FAQs About Spa Massage Sexual Assault Claims
Can I sue the spa or massage therapist for sexual assault?
Yes, you can sue the spa or massage therapist for sexual assault in what is known as a civil lawsuit in order to collect compensation for damages.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may also be able to and want to press criminal charges as well.
What types of evidence do I need for a sexual abuse case?
The types of evidence needed for a sexual abuse case can vary but may include medical records, your personal testimony, witness or expert testimony, physical evidence, or digital evidence.
If you are unsure about what types of evidence to include, your lawyer can help you to gather and sort relevant information and documentation.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for my case?
Most sexual abuse attorneys work on a contingency fee basis and do not charge any upfront fees or costs.
This means that there is never any financial risk for you up front to explore your legal options, and you only have to pay your sexual assault attorney or law office after your case has been settled or won.
Find the Help You Need Today at Florin|Roebig
If you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual assault in a professional massage therapy setting, you need the experienced personal injury law team of Florin|Roebig on your side.
Take the first step in seeking justice by talking to our trusted legal experts and Denver sexual abuse lawyers and find out how you can hold the perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable.
To get started with a free confidential consultation or to ask for additional resources and legal help for sexual assault victims in Denver, CO, contact the Florin|Roebig attorneys today by calling (800) 226-6581 or filling out the contact form.