Florin|Roebig attorneys are available in Lakewood, Colorado, and the surrounding areas to help the victims of spa massage sexual assault seek justice and compensation. Read on to learn more about how and where you can access our legal services and more about the benefits of filing a sexual abuse claim or lawsuit with a Lakewood spa sexual assault lawyer if you have been assaulted at a massage spa.
Understanding Sexual Assault in Spa and Massage Settings
Clearly defining massage therapist sexual assault is essential for both the client and the therapist, especially in cases of spa misconduct claims.
Definition of Sexual Assault and Misconduct Within a Spa or Massage Environment
Sexual assault within a massage setting involves any non-consensual sexual contact or activity, often using force or manipulation.
Sexual misconduct, on the other hand, involves unwanted sexual advances or comments, inappropriate touching during massage, indecent exposure, or any type of breach of professional boundaries.
Common Forms of Inappropriate Behavior
Inappropriate behavior in a massage setting may not always be obvious and may vary depending on the type of massage or spa environment.
Examples of inappropriate behavior in a massage or spa setting include:
- Unwanted touching or sexual contact
- Unwanted sexual acts
- Exposure of one’s genitals
- Verbal abuse or making suggestive comments
- Asking the client to touch them or other sexual requests
Emotional, Psychological, and Physical Impact on Victims
The implications of sexual assault can be severe and long-lasting and often require the victim to seek out therapy and other forms of mental health care treatment.
Impacts that sexual assault has on victims include:
- Worsening of mental health conditions or development of new ones
- Unwanted pregnancy
- Physical injuries
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Feelings of shame and guilt
- Development of anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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
It is important to understand the causes of massage sexual misconduct so that it can be addressed and prevented. This is especially true when the causes involve spa accountability.
Exploitation of Trust in Professional Massage Settings
There is a lot of trust between massage therapists and their clients, and professional therapists must always follow ethical guidelines and avoid therapist abuse of trust.
Therefore, it is typically up to the massage therapist to uphold consent and confidentiality and to respect any boundaries laid out for them.
Inadequate Background Checks on Massage Therapists or Spa Employees
All massage therapists and spa employees must pass adequate background checks before they are allowed to be around clients. When proper checks are not made, employees with questionable histories can slip through the cracks at locations where they should have been denied employment.
Insufficient Policies for Preventing and Addressing Client Complaints
Spa and massage clients may also feel that they do not have the proper outlets for voicing complaints and having them addressed. When this is the case, clients may be more likely to keep complaints to themselves, even when such complaints are especially important and involve sexual abuse.
Steps to Take if You Are Sexually Assaulted During a Spa or Massage Session
Always be prepared and have a plan in case you run into an uncomfortable situation while at a spa or massage session, and know how to protect your legal rights.
Ensure Immediate Safety
Leave the location as soon as you can do so safely and at no risk. Find a secure location as quickly as possible.
Document the Incident
As soon as you can do so after the incident, write down as many details as you can remember. This should include the date, time, and location of your appointment, your massage therapist’s name, and any details you can remember about what they said or how they behaved.
Report the Incident to Spa Management and Law Enforcement
Once you feel comfortable doing so, you can report the incident to spa management and Colorado law enforcement. Remember, reporting sexual assault is always your choice. Many Lakewood sexual abuse victims choose to report their assaults anonymously.
Preserve Any Evidence
This can include any clothing that you were wearing at the time of the incident, receipts from payments that were made, and testimonials from witnesses.
Reporting Sexual Assault to Authorities and Institutions
In the rare event that you are the victim of sexual assault within a massage or spa setting, it is important that you know how and where to report the incident. Reporting an incident of sexual assault is always an optional choice, but is important to be aware of.
How to File a Police Report for Sexual Assault in Colorado
Filing a police report for sexual assault must be done at the police department within the jurisdiction where the incident occurred. Due to the delicate nature of a spa sexual misconduct report, you may have the option to have an advocate with you while you report the incident.
You have a few different options when reporting to Colorado law enforcement:
- You can file a sexual assault report and have law enforcement open an investigation
- You can file a sexual assault report while declining to have law enforcement open an investigation
- You can file a police report anonymously
If you decide to file a police report, even if anonymously, you will also have the option to have a sexual assault evidence kit collected.
Reporting the Incident to Spa Management or Corporate Offices
You may want to report the incident to spa management instead of or in addition to law enforcement. Spa management can then likely connect you with their corporate offices if you would like to take your report a step further.
Contacting Licensing Boards for Massage Therapists and Other Governing Bodies
You may want to also research how to report the massage therapist who abused you to licensing boards for massage therapists and other governing bodies.
This will ensure that proper action is taken in terms of their employment and licensing as a massage therapist.
Legal Rights of Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault in Colorado
Victims of sexual assault in Colorado must have an understanding of their rights and what actions they can take as survivors.
Overview of Colorado Laws Regarding Sexual Assault and Victim Rights
Several laws serve to protect the legal rights of victims of sexual assault in Colorado and to ensure they feel safe, secure, and protected.
Colorado sexual assault laws that apply to survivors include:
- Colorado Victim Rights Act — this law mandates that law enforcement and other government organizations in Colorado are required to provide victims of violent crimes, including sexual assault, information about their rights.
- Civil or criminal processes — victims have the option to pursue both civil cases and criminal processes, which can earn them compensation as well as potential prison time or probation for the perpetrator.
- Protection orders — these orders prevent the person named from being able to contact the victim in any form and are more commonly known as restraining orders.
- Housing safety — a law in Colorado allows the survivors of sexual assault to break their leases if they feel concerned in any way about their safety.
Explanation of the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Civil or Criminal Case
A statute of limitations exists to place a time limit on how long a person has to file a claim or lawsuit after an incident or injury.
The statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims in the state of Colorado is 20 years. If the victim was under 18 at the time of the assault, the statute of limitations starts when they turn 18. There is no statute of limitations in the case of child sexual abuse cases in Colorado.
Legal Recourse Against Both the Perpetrator and the Spa for Negligence
You may be eligible to take legal recourse both against the spa and the individual massage therapist who abused you. When filing a lawsuit against the spa, you can usually cite negligence as it was the massage parlor’s responsibility to make sure their employees were properly vetted.
Why You Need a Lakewood Spa Massage Sexual Assault Lawyer
It is not a requirement to have legal representation for sexual abuse when filing a lawsuit for sexual assault, however, it is highly recommended in order to achieve the best outcome.
Importance of Hiring a Skilled Lawyer to Navigate the Complex Legal Process
Most people do not have the legal knowledge that it requires to take on a sexual assault case on their own, as these cases can be quite complex. A skilled Lakewood abuse attorney can instill their clients with confidence and peace of mind in knowing that they are in good hands.
How a Lawyer Can Investigate the Incident, Gather Evidence, and Build a Strong Case
Evidence in a sexual assault case is crucial, and every detail matters. A skilled sexual abuse attorney ensures that no evidence is overlooked, helping to build the strongest possible case for justice. Without a strong and experienced sexual assault lawyer on your side, important details could be missed and neglected and the perpetrator could turn out with a stronger defense.
Benefits of Pursuing Civil Claims for Compensation Alongside Criminal Charges
While financial compensation cannot undo what was done to you, it can help to cover many of the costs associated with your injuries. You should never have to deal with high costs for medical treatments or therapy while also dealing with the trauma of your experience, and you deserve compensation.
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Compensation for Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault
The goal of a sexual assault lawsuit is to receive financial compensation that can then be used toward medical costs and other damages.
Types of Damages in Abuse Cases That Victims May Recover
Victims should be careful to ensure that all damages are claimed to get the highest amount of compensation from their Lakewood sexual abuse claim.
Types of damages claimed by sexual assault victims include:
- Medical expenses, including for both physical and emotional injuries
- Pain and suffering, or other forms of emotional distress or trauma
- Loss of income and loss of benefits
- Punitive damages for the spa or individual massage therapist
The Role of an Experienced Attorney in Ensuring Fair Compensation for Sexual Assault Victims
While no one is required to work with a lawyer on their sexual assault claim, those who do report better outcomes and higher settlements. This is because an experienced lawyer will be skilled at negotiations while also ensuring that the damages you may have missed have all been claimed.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Sexual Assault Case
Florin|Roebig attorneys are not only skilled and experienced but they are also considered top-rated sexual abuse lawyers across four states.
Florin|Roebig’s Experience in Handling Sexual Assault and Abuse Claims
The attorneys at Florin|Roebig have decades of experience in handling sexual assault cases and law offices in Florida, Colorado, Texas, and Minnesota.
Attorney Taylor D. Roebig says, “Our lawyers understand the delicate nature of these cases and want nothing more than to see our clients succeed and receive the justice they are so rightfully owed.”
Track Record of Success in Representing Sexual Abuse Victims
Florin|Roebig has a solid track record of success when it comes to representing sexual abuse victims, including a landmark massage abuse case in Florida that reached a $47.4 Million verdict for the client.
Personalized Approach
The Lakewood spa sexual misconduct lawyers at Florin|Roebig treat all their clients with the utmost care and respect while treating each of them as unique individuals with their own stories to tell. With this in mind, we also invite and encourage each client to be an active participant in their case.
Free Consultations and Support Throughout the Legal Process
You can get your case started today by taking part in a free case review with a member of our legal team. From there, we will be with you throughout the legal process from start to finish, offering legal advice and guidance and negotiating on your behalf.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
FAQs About Spa Massage Sexual Assault Claims
Can I sue the spa or massage therapist for sexual assault?
If you have been sexually assaulted at a spa or massage therapy location, you likely can sue either the massage therapist or the spa, or both. You may also be able to press criminal charges against them depending on the circumstances around your case.
What if I didn’t report the assault immediately?
It’s okay if you didn’t report the assault right away—you can still file a lawsuit with a sexual assault attorney as long as it falls within the statute of limitations. However, reporting it as soon as possible is often beneficial, as the details will be fresher in your memory, strengthening your case.
How long do I have to file a claim in Colorado?
In Colorado, you have 20 years from the date of the incident to file a sexual assault claim. If the assault occurred when you were under 18, the 20-year period does not begin until your 18th birthday.
Find the Help You Need Today at Florin|Roebig
Florin|Roebig is the experienced, award-winning, and compassionate law firm that you need if you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse or assault within a spa or massage environment.
To find out more about legal help for sexual assault victims and discuss your eligibility, do not hesitate to reach out to our legal professionals to take part in a free case review.
Victims of sexual abuse deserve justice and all responsible individuals and institutions deserve to be held accountable. Contact Florin|Roebig and our team of Lakewood sexual abuse lawyers today or start receiving the assistance you need with your claim.
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