It’s vital that all kinds of sexual assault are reported, but for many, this can be an intimidating task due to anxiety, fear, and trauma. If this is the case for you, it may be time to consider hiring a legal expert to help you navigate this journey and ensure you get the justice you deserve.
With over $1 billion in case verdicts, the personal injury lawyers of Florin|Roebig are the best legal representation out there. Our team is dedicated to advocating for you and making sure you see the payout you’re entitled to.
Understanding Sexual Abuse in a Massage Setting
It’s not uncommon for victims of sexual assault to be unsure of whether or not they experienced sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is not always clear cut, and it can be difficult for victims who are dealing with the emotional fallout of this trauma to differentiate what really happened. Having an understanding of what is considered sexual abuse in a massage setting can be vital.
During a massage, actions or behaviors that are sexual in nature, unwanted, and non-consensual can all be classified as sexual abuse.
Examples of sexual assault during massage can include:
- Asking questions that are suggestive or sexual
- Attempts to initiate sexual acts during or after the massage
- Pressuring the client to remove more clothing than necessary
- Unwanted touching or touching areas of the body you have not given consent to be touched
- Sexual comments
- Disregarding boundaries the client has set
These violations can impact your emotional health, psychological well-being, and even physical health.
Common effects of sexual trauma can include:
- Sleep disturbances
- Conditions like vaginismus
- Depression
- Mental health disorders
- Emotional trauma
- Relationship difficulties
- Trust issues
- Physical pain
- Phobias
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Isolation
- Eating disorders
This is not an exhaustive list of the impacts of sexual assault. If you’re unsure of whether you’ve experienced sexual abuse in a massage setting or how the abuse affected you, consider speaking with one of the expert attorneys of Florin|Roebig for legal guidance.
Recognizing Red Flags During and After a Massage
It’s important to be aware of red flags that can indicate sexual abuse during a massage. This can make it easier to identify if you’ve experienced sexual assault or help prevent sexual abuse in future situations.
As previously mentioned, not everyone who experiences sexual abuse in a massage setting can identify it right away. This can be due to their own doubts or negative self-talk, manipulation or gaslighting from the massage therapist, or simply a lack of knowledge. If you’ve never received a massage before, you may be unsure of what is considered appropriate and what is not.
Signs to look out for that indicate inappropriate behavior from a therapist include:
- They ask you questions that make you uncomfortable
- You have an inexplicable sense of anxiety or uneasiness during your massage
- They try to initiate contact outside of your massage sessions
- 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 make jokes or comments that make you feel uncomfortable or objectified
- They ignore requests you’ve made or boundaries you’ve set
Because it’s easy for some of these signs to fly under your radar, you must stay vigilant during your massage session. If you identify possible red flags or signs of inappropriate behavior, know that it is within your rights to excuse yourself from the situation and report the behavior.
Following sexual abuse in a massage setting, you may be wondering what to do next and what your options are. That’s where Florin|Roebig comes in. Our seasoned attorneys will help review your rights with you and determine what legal action to take. Call us today for a free case review.
Immediate Steps to Take if You Were Sexually Abused at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa
Immediately after experiencing sexual abuse, victims can often be disoriented, overwhelmed, or even dissociate, making it difficult to determine the next steps. Below, you’ll find steps to follow after the incident to make sure your legal rights are protected and you seek safety.
- Leave the scene of the incident. When it is safe to do so, remove yourself from the situation and seek safety.
- Document everything. Write down the date, time, therapist’s name, behavior, and a short description of the incident as soon as possible to keep details straight.
- Preserve evidence. Collect clothing, communication records, or any other forms of evidence and preserve them. This can be helpful when filing your report or a lawsuit.
- File a report. File a report of the incident by contacting local law enforcement.
- Hire a lawyer. Set up a free case evaluation today by calling Floin|Roebig. We’ll discuss your case and your options going forward.
Attorney Taylor D. Roebig says, “Consulting a lawyer after sexual abuse is the best way to stay informed of your legal rights and options. At Florin|Roebig, we offer free consultations to discuss the details of your case and help you make legal decisions in your best interest.”
Reporting the Abuse to Authorities and Management
There are several authorities and groups that should be notified of sexual abuse during massage therapy. This includes local law enforcement, state licensing boards, management, and the corporation itself.
You can file a police report either by calling the non-emergency line or going to a police station to report the incident.
It’s also a good idea to contact any professional organizations the therapist is a part of as well as state licensing boards to inform them of the incident. Reports can help protect others from sexual assault as therapists may lose their license.
Finally, be sure to report the incident to Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa franchise management by speaking to management in person or calling the franchise directly. To file a report with Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa corporate, use the contact form on their website.
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Seeking Legal Help and Filing a Lawsuit Against Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa
Having a highly experienced legal expert by your side following a sexual abuse incident during massage therapy can make filing a lawsuit and pursuing other legal proceedings much less daunting.
There are several options you may have following the incident. First, many victims choose to press criminal charges which can result in jail time, job loss, and license revocation for the therapist. On top of this, many victims may pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit.
In a personal injury claim, you and your lawyer may seek damages for things such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, or loss of enjoyment of life.
For reputable and reliable legal guidance in your personal injury case, consider hiring one of the uniquely qualified attorneys of Florin|Roebig. We have decades of experience in personal injury law and even secured a record-setting $47.4 million verdict in a massage assault case.
Compensation for Victims of Sexual Abuse in Massage Settings
Every sexual abuse incident differs and can have a different impact on the victim. The ways in which your case impacted you can help determine the types of damages you seek in your lawsuit.
Types of damages you may be entitled to include:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
- Therapy costs
- Lost wages (in some cases)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
This is not a complete list of all kinds of compensation you may choose to pursue in your lawsuit. The lawyers of Florin|Roebig are experts in personal injury law and can help you determine what types of damages to seek.
To ensure that you are fairly compensated, our sexual assault lawyers will advocate for you, negotiate settlements, and take your case to trial if needed.
Overcoming Emotional and Psychological Trauma
While seeking compensation for the damages you’ve incurred is important, it’s also important to prioritize your personal needs during this time to recover and overcome your trauma.
There are many ways to do so. Many victims choose to join sexual assault survivor support groups. During meetings, members may discuss their experience, how it affects them, what they’re doing to overcome it, and offer advice to others.
Another way to overcome your trauma is to seek out a professional therapist. Through regular sessions, you may be able to process your experience and work through the impact of the incident on your day-to-day life.
Sexual assault can be incredibly scary, traumatizing, and life-changing. Know that you’re not alone and that you will get through this difficult time. It’s of the utmost importance that you regain your confidence and rebuild yourself to overcome this challenge.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Sexual Abuse Case
There are many ways the expert lawyers of Florin|Roebig can help you with your personal injury case. We want to make sure you and your loved one’s rights are protected and you see the best possible outcome from your case.
At the law firm of Florin|Roebig, we fight for our clients to receive the highest level of compensation. Rather than accepting the first lowball settlement corporations offer, we’ll negotiate, advocate, and take your case to trial if needed.
Another way Florin|Roebig can help by keeping you informed and advised. Our lawyers make sure to discuss the next steps, legal rights, and legal options every step of the way, so you know what we recommend and what may result in the best outcome.
Finally, we can make the legal proceedings such as the legal process easier to navigate. Our sexual assault attorneys can help prepare you for proceedings and do the hard work to ensure your experience is as stress-free as possible.
Practical Advice for Preventing and Responding to Sexual Abuse at Massage Establishments
Practical advice can be just as important as legal advice when it comes to a situation like sexual abuse in a massage environment. Here is a list of practical tips you can use to help prevent or respond to an incident that involves sexual abuse during massage.
- Do your research. Be sure to research not only the massage parlor but also the massage therapist before booking your session. Client reviews can be helpful in getting a glimpse at the professionalism of both. We recommend looking for establishments that do background checks on their service providers.
- Set boundaries. Discuss clear boundaries about where you consent to be touched, how much clothing you’d like to have on, and how much communication you’d prefer both before and during your massage. If your boundaries are disregarded, know that this is unprofessional and may be grounds for a sexual abuse case.
- Know your rights. If you notice red flags or any behavior that indicates unprofessionalism, inappropriate behavior, or sexual abuse, leave immediately and report the incident. Know that you are not obligated to endure any unwanted or inappropriate behavior or actions. You have a right to speak up.
- Bring someone. If the establishment allows it, bring along a friend or loved one to your message. Having someone else there can make you more comfortable and prevent unwanted behavior.
As a disclaimer, it is never the victim’s fault that they have endured sexual abuse. Additionally, it is not the victim’s responsibility to prevent sexual assault, but rather, the assailant’s responsibility to avoid it altogether. These tips may help prevent such situations, but unfortunately, they do still occur.
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Find the Help You Need Today at Florin|Roebig
It is vital that you stand up against abuse and fight for justice as well as the compensation you so rightfully deserve following a sexual abuse incident in a massage setting. This horrible crime can greatly impact the lives of victims and should not go unpunished.
If you or a loved one requires additional guidance, don’t hesitate to call the Florin|Roebig helpline today. Our Florida, Texas, Colorado, and Minnesota offices are here to assist victims of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa sexual abuse.
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 Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa for sexual abuse by an employee?
Yes, you can sue Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa if an employee sexually abused you during your massage. You may be entitled to seek compensation for the damages you’ve incurred as a result.
What if I didn’t report my sexual assault incident immediately?
You can still report your incident and file a lawsuit even if you didn’t report the assault immediately. It’s not uncommon for victims to not realize they’ve been assaulted until they’ve had time to process the event.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for sexual abuse?
Depending on the state you live in, you’ll have a certain amount of time following the incident to file a lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations and is several years in most states.
