It is of the utmost importance that victims of sexual assault in all settings, including massage therapy, report their abuse. This can be a daunting task for many individuals, which is why having legal support and assistance can be incredibly beneficial.
Here at Florin|Roebig, our triple-board certified lawyers have over thirty years of experience in fighting for sexual abuse victims. We can help you stay informed of your legal rights, what steps to take next, and how to pursue compensation for the trauma you’ve experienced
Understanding Sexual Abuse in a Massage Setting
Sexual assault can sometimes be difficult to understand. In other words, some lines can be blurred and many victims find themselves unsure of if they’ve experienced sexual abuse. That’s why it’s so important to have a grasp of what constitutes sexual misconduct in a massage setting.
Any action or behavior that is non-consensual, unwanted, or sexual in nature can be considered sexual abuse in a massage setting.
Common examples of inappropriate behavior by massage therapists include:
- Sexual comments
- Asking questions that are suggestive or sexual
- Pressuring the client to remove more clothing than necessary or is more than the client’s comfort level
- Non-consensual bodywork
- Unwanted touching or touching areas of the body you have not given consent to be touched
- Attempts to initiate sexual acts during or after the massage
- Disregarding boundaries the client has set
Sexual abuse can affect many areas of one’s life including emotional, psychological, and physical health.
Impacts of sexual abuse can include:
- Mental health disorders
- Emotional trauma
- Isolation
- Sleep disturbances
- Physical pain
- Conditions like vaginismus
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Phobias
- Trust issues
- Relationship difficulties
- Eating disorders
There are many potential effects of sexual assault, and each person’s experience is unique. If you have experienced sexual assault in a massage setting and are unsure of the next steps to take, contact Florin|Roebig today for a free case evaluation.
Recognizing Red Flags During and After a Massage
As mentioned above, it is not always clear at first whether a massage therapist’s behavior is inappropriate. It’s important to be familiar with red flags that can suggest unprofessional or inappropriate behavior.
Some victims may not immediately recognize that they were abused due to manipulation or gaslighting from the abuser. In other cases, those who have never received a massage before may think that their abuse is a part of the typical massage experience. On top of that, it’s not uncommon for victims to tell themselves they are overanalyzing the situation or that it was nothing.
It is so important that during a massage service, you are vigilant and keep an eye out for any red flags that indicate inappropriate behavior or abuse. If you do notice behavior such as this early on, don’t hesitate to excuse yourself from the situation. It’s better to be cautious.
Specific signs that a therapist’s behavior was inappropriate or abusive include:
- They ignore requests you’ve made or boundaries you’ve set
- They ask you questions that make you uncomfortable
- You have an inexplicable sense of anxiety or uneasiness during your massage
- They don’t communicate or ask for consent when touching different areas of your body
- They don’t provide/use proper equipment such as sheets, towels, gloves, etc.
- They try to initiate contact outside of your massage sessions
- They make jokes or comments that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
These are only some of the red flags you may encounter during a massage treatment. It’s important to trust your gut if you feel you have experienced sexual abuse during your massage. For more legal guidance, reach out to Florin|Roebig today.
Immediate Steps to Take if You Were Sexually Abused at Elements Massage
If you’ve experienced sexual abuse at Elements Massage, you may be unsure of what to do next. Here are some steps to follow immediately after the experience to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.
- Remove yourself from the situation. As soon as you’re able to, remove yourself from the environment and seek a safe space.
- Document details. Document details about the incident right away. This includes dates, times, the therapist’s name, behavior, and description of the incident. This can make it easier to report and file a lawsuit later on.
- Preserve evidence. If possible, preserve any evidence of the abuse whether that includes clothing, communication records, or otherwise.
- File a report. Contact local law enforcement to report the incident.
- Hire an attorney. Contact Florin|Roebig to set up a free consultation to discuss your case and your options going forward.
Reporting the Abuse to Authorities and Management
If you’ve been the victim of sexual abuse in a massage setting, you must report the incident to the appropriate authorities and groups. This includes local law enforcement, management, the franchise or corporation, and state licensing boards.
First and foremost, we encourage you to file a report with local law enforcement. You can do so by visiting a police station in person or calling the non-emergency line.
After that, it’s important to report the incident to Elements Massage corporate or management at that franchise. You can request to speak with management at the franchise specifically or go in person to speak with management. To contact corporate, you may find the Elements Massage contact information on their website to file a complaint.
It’s also essential to contact state licensing boards or professional organizations the massage therapist is a part of. Reporting the incident can result in the therapist’s license being revoked, which can prevent future incidents.
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Seeking Legal Help and Filing a Lawsuit Against Elements Massage
Seeking legal help following a sexual assault incident in a massage setting can be immensely helpful. Legal experts can help you navigate legal proceedings following an incident and advise you of the next best steps.
It’s important to know that you have options following your incident. You may choose to press charges on your assailant, which can result in job loss, revoking of state licensure, or even jail time. Another legal option victims may choose to pursue is filing a civil lawsuit for damages.
Sexual assault is grounds for a personal injury claim and can be used to seek compensation for damages such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, or emotional distress.
The personal injury lawyers of Florin|Roebig are uniquely qualified to handle sexual assault cases due to our four decades of experience in personal injury law. Our track record speaks for itself, with a record-setting $47.4 million verdict obtained by Florin|Roebig in a massage abuse case.
Compensation for Victims of Sexual Abuse in Massage Settings
The effects of a sexual abuse case in massage settings can impact every victim differently. That being said, several types of damages are commonly claimed in a sexual assault case.
Types of damages you may be entitled to include:
- Medical bills
- Therapy costs
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost wages (in some cases)
The types of damages you’re entitled to may not all be included in the above list. That’s why it’s important to discuss your case details with a Florin|Roebig attorney to determine what you deserve compensation for.
Florin|Roebig sexual assault attorneys will advocate for you in and out of the courtroom to ensure fair compensation. This can include settlement negotiation and taking the case to trial if necessary.
Overcoming Emotional and Psychological Trauma
In addition to seeking monetary compensation for your incident, it’s important that you seek support to overcome the emotional and psychological trauma you’ve endured.
This can include seeking out a therapist to discuss your trauma and any mental health conditions you’ve developed as a result. Regular therapy sessions can help victims process their trauma and overcome it.
Support groups are also a great way to address the effects of sexual abuse. Support groups are groups of assault survivors who have experienced similar incidents and come together to talk about their experiences and how they are recovering.
Attorney Taylor D. Roebig says, “Enduring sexual abuse is a serious and life-altering experience that no one should ever have to experience. It’s vital that you continue to fight for yourself by rebuilding your life, regaining confidence, and becoming stronger. Florin|Roebig attorneys are here to help you do just that.”
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Sexual Abuse Case
Florin|Roebig is extremely well qualified to help you with your sexual abuse case and can ensure the best outcome possible for you and your loved ones.
First and foremost, having a legal expert from Florin|Roebig by your side during your case can make the lawsuit filing process much smoother. Our lawyers have years of experience in personal injury lawsuits and can do all the heavy lifting.
Another way Florin|Roebig can help by helping advise you on your next steps. We’ll keep you informed of your rights, legal options, and what we think you should do next in your sexual assault case.
Finally, we’ll fight for the highest payout you’re entitled to. Our attorneys know that corporations only worry about their bottom line and will offer low settlements that don’t fairly compensate victims. We’ll negotiate unfair settlements and take your case to trial if necessary.
Practical Advice for Preventing and Responding to Sexual Abuse at Massage Establishments
While legal tips are important following a sexual abuse incident in a massage environment, it’s also important to have some practical tips. Below is a list of tips to keep in your back pocket to help prevent sexual abuse or respond to an incident at massage establishments.
- Research, research, research. Before booking a massage, make sure to do your due diligence and research the massage parlor as well as the massage therapist. A great place to start is reading client reviews. It’s also a good idea to look for massage providers that require background checks.
- Set boundaries. Before and during your session, set clear boundaries with your massage therapist. This can include where you consent to be touched, the amount of clothing you’d like to keep on, and more. If they disregard your boundaries, this is a red flag and may be grounds for abuse.
- Know your rights. Know that you do not have to stay silent or experience unwanted attention or touching during your massage. If you notice any red flags, inappropriate behavior, or signs of sexual abuse, remove yourself from the situation and report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
- Bring a friend. If permissible, bring a friend or loved one to sit in on your appointment. This can help prevent unwanted attention or behavior.
While these steps can help prevent a sexual assault incident, know that if you do experience sexual abuse, it is not your fault. At the end of the day, there are only so many precautions individuals can take, and their assault is not the direct result of them doing or not doing anything in particular.
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Find the Help You Need Today at Florin|Roebig
Sexual abuse is a horrific crime that no one should ever have to endure. If you or a loved one has experienced sexual assault in a massage setting, it is essential that you stand up against the abuse and seek justice.
To take the first step in your journey toward justice, call the Florin|Roebig helpline today for additional guidance. We have offices in Florida, Texas, Colorado, and Minnesota to assist abuse victims of Element Massage franchises in these states.
You can also contact Florin|Roebig by:
- Calling the phone number for your area 24/7.
- Using our chat feature day or night.
- Filling out our online form anytime, and we’ll get back to you promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I sue Elements Massage for sexual abuse by an employee?
Yes, if you were sexually abused during your massage by an Elements Massage employee, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit. Depending on your case, you may be entitled to seek compensation for damages like emotional distress, pain and suffering, and costs of medical bills.
What if I didn’t report my sexual assault incident immediately?
If you didn’t report your sexual assault immediately, you are still qualified to file a report and pursue a lawsuit. Many victims don’t even recognize that they have been assaulted at first.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for sexual abuse?
The amount of time you have to file a lawsuit for sexual abuse depends on the state in which the incident occurred. Each state has a statute of limitations, usually several years, during which the victim can file a lawsuit.
