When performed by a responsible, ethical practitioner, massage can have numerous physical and mental benefits. A good massage can ease muscle soreness, reduce anxiety, help manage chronic pain, or simply be a fun vacation activity in Colorado.
Unfortunately, the intimate and private nature of massage therapy makes it an attractive career for abusers who betray the trust of their clients with violence, verbal harassment, inappropriate sexual touch, and other forms of massage abuse.
Fort Collins spa sexual assault lawyers can help those subjected to massage abuse hold perpetrators and negligent business owners accountable for their injuries. Filing a sexual assault lawsuit allows victims to seek justice and compensation while preventing further harm and negligence.
The experienced sexual assault lawyers at Florin|Roebig help victims with every step of the legal process, leveraging their decades of combined experience to maximize compensation while decreasing client stress and anxiety.
Understanding Sexual Assault in Spa and Massage Settings
According to RAINN, an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. The effects of massage therapist sexual assault can be far-reaching and long-lasting. Many victims struggle with job loss, financial insecurity, and relationship difficulties as a result of the ongoing symptoms caused by their assault.
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 devastating, sexual assault is chronically underreported. Massage and spa sexual abuse also follow this pattern, further complicated by the fact that many victims do not immediately realize that they have been abused.
Part of the problem is the highly variable nature of spa misconduct claims. While some victims experience sudden and obvious violence, others are subjected to more subtle forms of abuse. The abuser may explain their transgressions away as mistakes or claim that their boundary-violating behavior is a normal part of the massage process.
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
Always trust your gut. If you have had a negative experience during a massage session, seek legal advice as soon as possible. You deserve expert support and assistance.
Why Spa and Massage Sexual Assault Occurs
Spa and massage sexual assault is a growing issue, with hundreds of victims coming forward to bring their abusers to justice. Popular chains like Massage Heights, Elements Massage, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Spavia Day Spa, and countless smaller institutions have failed to protect clients.
This lack of spa accountability is one of the primary causes of massage sexual misconduct. Even large chains and franchises, with plenty of money and resources, frequently do not have adequate policies to protect clients before, during, and after sessions.
Many spa owners do not perform thorough background checks on massage therapists and spa employees. Many facilities also lack protective measures—like panic buttons—to keep clients safe during treatment. Finally, businesses often lack policies on investigating, escalating, and responding to client misconduct complaints.
These issues create the perfect environment for therapist abuse of trust to thrive. Many experienced predators take advantage of the private, high-contact nature of massage to abuse clients, sometimes harming multiple people over several years.
For example, a recent case concerning a Basalt, Colorado masseuse involved allegations from eight former clients. Some of the reported incidents date back to 2015.
Steps to Take if You Are Sexually Assaulted During a Spa or Massage Session
Surviving a sexual assault is a traumatic event. Beyond the physical injuries victims suffer, many Fort Collins sexual abuse victims also grapple with heavy mental and emotional burdens that can leave them feeling confused, depressed, or helpless.
However, there are steps survivors can take to put themselves on the road to justice and compensation. If you’ve been assaulted and you feel unable to take the steps below, try confiding in a trusted friend or family member who can help you get the help you need.
- Protect Yourself: Stop the session, leave the premises, and get to a safe location. Your safety is the number one priority. Never hesitate to leave an uncomfortable situation, even if you must make a scene.
- Document everything: Record the therapist’s details, including the date, time, and behavior. Accurate and thorough documentation can help you build a stronger case.
- Make a report: It’s best to report sexual assault with both local law enforcement and management at the facility where the abuse occurred as soon as possible.
- Manage the evidence: Try to preserve evidence like clothing, receipts, and witness information. A lawyer can help you gather the evidence needed to file a claim.
- Get legal help: Protect your legal rights by hiring a lawyer as soon as possible. The right lawyer can prevent costly mistakes, help with investigation and evidence gathering, and maximize potential compensation.
Florin|Roebig attorney Taylor Roebig says, “Many victims struggle to take action after an assault. Trauma often puts survivors in a “freeze” state as their minds and bodies work to process what has happened to them. You may still be eligible to file a sexual assault lawsuit even if you did not report your assault immediately. An experienced sexual abuse attorney can help you understand your options.”
Reporting Sexual Assault to Authorities and Institutions
There are many reasons a victim of assault may have for not reporting their abuse immediately. Fear of judgment or disbelief, feelings of shame, complex or mistrustful history with law enforcement, or even a lack of familiarity with the legal system can all make victims hesitant to report massage abuse.
However, reporting sexual assault is a critical step in accessing the justice and compensation survivors are due. Filing a sexual assault report also helps hold abusers and negligent facilities accountable, preventing future harm.
Your legal advisor can help you file a sexual assault report with the organizations below.
Law Enforcement
Victims can make a spa sexual misconduct report in person at a police station or by calling the police non-emergency phone number.
Once a report has been filed, Colorado law enforcement can open an investigation, which may lead to a criminal trial. The sooner the victim reports the incident, the easier it is to investigate, locate witnesses, and collect critical evidence.
Business Leadership
Survivors should also report the incident to the facility where the assault occurred. Reports can be made in person, over the phone, or by email. If the facility is part of a large chain or franchise, victims can also use the contact information on the business’s website to inform the corporate office.
Reporting to the business can have immediate professional consequences for an abuser, who may be put on leave or fired, preventing harm to other potential victims.
State Licensing Board/Professional Organization
The Colorado Office of Massage Therapy Licensure is responsible for licensing and regulating massage therapists in the state. Colorado has strict licensing requirements, including professional insurance.
The regulatory board is responsible for investigating all reported massage sexual assault claims. Following an investigation, it can revoke licenses, issue reprimands, and even help broker settlements.
Legal Rights of Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault in Colorado
As of 2022, Colorado has one of the most generous statutes of limitations for sexual abuse claims in the US. Following the new ruling, victims pursuing a civil sexual assault lawsuit have an unlimited amount of time to file. Unfortunately, those assaulted before 2022 are still governed by the old, less generous deadline, so moving quickly is essential.
Colorado sexual assault laws are designed to protect the legal right of victims to pursue justice and compensation for their injuries. Because sexual assault is a crime, the same incident may result in both civil and criminal lawsuits, which are often pursued simultaneously.
The state decides to pursue a criminal lawsuit, and the decision is heavily based on the availability of evidence. The state must prove its theory of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, which requires a high burden of proof. Following a criminal conviction, the perpetrator is punished with fines, community service, or jail time.
A civil sexual assault lawsuit only occurs if and when a victim decides to pursue one. Civil lawsuits are the primary way survivors of sexual assault seek compensation for their injuries. Because they have a lower burden of proof, they also give victims a second opportunity to seek justice against their abusers, even if the criminal trial did not result in a conviction.
Why You Need a Fort Collins Spa Massage Sexual Assault Lawyer
Securing legal representation for sexual abuse is one of the best things a survivor of massage sexual assault can do to ensure their claim proceeds smoothly and successfully. Fort Collins abuse attorneys help their clients navigate the complexities of sensitive sexual assault cases.
Experienced sexual assault lawyers can help with investigating and gathering evidence, building a strong claim while their clients focus on rest and recovery. Legal guidance allows victims to maximize their potential compensation, revealing options for justice that many victims are unaware of.
At Florin|Roebig, our team strives to help every client understand the legal possibilities of their claim, allowing victims to pursue much-needed compensation for their injuries while the state pursues punishment for the abuser.
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Compensation for Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault
Compensation for Fort Collins sexual abuse claims is awarded for different types of damages and is usually monetary. These damages can be awarded to punish the perpetrator or compensate the victim.
The type and amount of damages a victim is entitled to vary depending on the circumstances of their claim, the severity of their injuries, and the number of responsible parties.
Working with an experienced lawyer helps ensure the maximum potential compensation for sexual assault victims. The right lawyer can help you receive compensation for all the harm done to you.
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.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Sexual Assault Case
Florin|Roebig attorneys have the expertise, support, and resources to help clients navigate sensitive and complex sexual assault cases successfully. Our Fort Collins spa sexual misconduct lawyers have decades of combined experience and a documented track record of success with challenging cases.
Since our founding in 1985, Florin|Roebig’s top-rated sexual abuse lawyers have won clients over $1 billion in results, including the record-setting $47.4 million verdict obtained in a Florida massage abuse case.
Beginning with a free initial consultation, our team creates an individualized plan for every case, providing tailored legal guidance to all of our clients. Florin|Roebig’s local offices are backed by a nationally ranked law firm, ensuring that our clients get the support and resources that come with recognition.
Named one of the Best Law Firms in America by US News from 2010 to 2025, our team of dedicated personal injury experts gets clients results. Reach out today to speak to a member of our staff.
Florin|Roebig attorney Taylor Roebig says, “The expertise and ability of the lawyer can greatly affect the success of a sexual assault claim. When researching your options, choose someone experienced, with a documented history of success, who has access to the support and resources to hold large chains accountable.”
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
FAQs About Spa Massage Sexual Assault Claims
Can I sue the spa or massage therapist for sexual assault?
In many cases, victims can sue both the massage therapist and the massage facility to recover compensation for their injuries.
To hold the facility accountable, the victim and their lawyer must prove that the business was negligent in a way that directly impacted or contributed to the harm done to them.
What if I didn’t report the assault immediately?
While it is best practice to report sexual assault as soon as possible, many victims do not report assault immediately.
Waiting to make a report can make investigating the claim and gathering evidence more difficult. However, you are still eligible to file a sexual assault lawsuit even if you waited to report your abuse.
How long do I have to file a claim in Colorado?
As of 2022, the statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse claims in Colorado is unlimited.
Victims assaulted before 2022 are still subject to the older, more strict deadline. Speak to a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your case meets all requirements and has the best possible chance of success.
What types of evidence do I need for a sexual abuse case?
Witness statements, receipts, communication records, police reports, medical records and evaluations, and CCTV footage can all be used as evidence in sexual assault trials. Your lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for my case?
The best sexual assault lawyers work on contingency, meaning they aren’t paid until you win your case. Following a victory, they receive a predetermined percentage of the compensation.
Find the Help You Need Today at Florin|Roebig
Sexual assault is a devastating trauma that can affect anyone at any time. It often leaves victims facing significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens through no fault of their own.
Survivors deserve protection and support. Working with experienced Fort Collins sexual abuse lawyers allows victims to focus on recovery while their lawyer pursues the justice and compensation they are due.
Florin|Roebig attorneys offer sensitive, experienced legal help for sexual assault victims. We understand the complex and challenging nature of sexual assault cases and are always prepared to pursue justice on behalf of our clients.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a massage or spa sexual assault, don’t wait to get help. Contact Florin|Roebig today to discuss your case or schedule a free evaluation.
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