Massage can have significant physical and mental benefits. Many people choose to use it as part of a long-term care plan to manage chronic pain, promote relaxation, or ease anxiety. Spa and massage clients deserve to feel safe and secure when booking a procedure that will leave them physically vulnerable.
Many massage institutions in Minnesota fail to adequately protect their clients from predators seeking to exploit opportunities for inappropriate sexual touch during sessions. When assaults happen, victims often need help to hold their abusers and the negligent facilities they employ them accountable. Florin|Roebig attorneys have the experience and resources to help victims file successful sexual abuse claims.Our team offers free consultations and individualized legal guidance to help victims of sexual abuse get the justice and compensation they need to recover. Contact us today to schedule a free case assessment.
Understanding Sexual Assault in Spa and Massage Settings
While sexual assault is tragically common, it is also chronically underreported. Victims of spa and massage sexual assault face additional complications in recognizing and reporting the abuse they have suffered.
Spa misconduct claims vary widely in their details and severity. While some abusers may attack suddenly and violently, this is relatively unusual. Many abusers hide behind the conventions of the massage industry, which gives predators ample opportunities for privacy and excuses for contact.
They often engage in a slow escalation of inappropriate behaviors, making it difficult for clients to know when and how to object or draw boundaries. The list below provides an incomplete sample of behaviors that qualify as massage sexual assault.
If you have experienced any of these behaviors or behaviors similar to those listed below, we encourage you to contact a sexual assault attorney immediately.
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
Like all forms of sexual abuse, massage therapist sexual assault can have serious consequences for survivors who often struggle with physical, mental, and emotional challenges following an incident.
Many survivors also face challenges in their personal and professional relationships that can negatively impact their finances and their ability to enjoy life.
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
Why Spa and Massage Sexual Assault Occurs
Sexual assault can happen anywhere and to anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or economic status. But why is it that massage and spa settings seem to be in the news so often for sexual assault?
There are a lot of factors that contribute to the proliferation of sexual abuse in spa and massage settings. The number one factor is a lack of spa accountability on the part of business owners.
Most businesses do not do adequate background checks on massage therapists and spa employees and do not have procedures in place for preventing assault and addressing client complaints.
This negligence opens the door to therapist abuse of trust, allowing predators to take advantage of the intimate and high-contact nature of massage to continue preying on clients, sometimes for years.
In one case, a masseuse working at the Men’s Spa Salon in Minneapolis admitted to assaulting more than 50 men over nearly a decade. Even major, resource-heavy chains like Massage Heights, Elements Massage, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, and Spavia Day Spa often fail to protect clients from the causes of massage sexual misconduct.
Steps to Take if You Are Sexually Assaulted During a Spa or Massage Session
Sexual assault is a devastating trauma, and many Bloomington sexual abuse victims struggle with what to do and how to act after they are assaulted. These feelings of helplessness and confusion are normal, but there are actions you can take to help regain power and protect your rights.
The list below is meant to provide some brief guidance on steps you can take after an assault to put you on the path to compensation and recovery. If you do not feel able to take these steps on your own, seek help from loved ones and legal professionals who can provide emotional and practical support.
Steps to take after a spa or massage assault:
- Stay safe: Secure your physical safety by leaving the situation and getting to a safe location. Remember that you can stop a procedure anytime for any reason without an explanation or an apology.
- Document the incident: Note the therapist’s details, including the date, time, and behavior. Detailed, accurate information is the basis for a strong case and can assist with necessary investigation.
- Make a report: Report sexual assault to local law enforcement and management at the facility where the assault occurred as soon as possible. Quick reporting prevents witnesses from forgetting crucial details or leaving the area and decreases the likelihood of other errors.
- Preserve any evidence: Taking the time to preserve evidence like clothing, receipts, and witness information can strengthen a case. A lawyer can help you understand the most valuable proof for building a strong claim.
- Seek legal advice: An experienced sexual assault attorney can help you protect your legal rights to compensation and justice. The right lawyer will help you with every step of the claims process, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Reporting Sexual Assault to Authorities and Institutions
Making a sexual assault report can be difficult for many victims. Survivors often feel angry, helpless, or depressed following an assault, making it difficult to take action. In addition to emotional barriers, some survivors may have concerns or misunderstandings about the legal process or a complex relationship with law enforcement that can cause hesitation.
However, reporting sexual assault is a crucial first step in getting justice and compensation for the harm done to you. Not only can filing a report help protect your rights, but it can also prevent the abuser from continuing to harm others.
If you cannot make a report yourself, try confiding in a trusted friend or family member who can help you take the necessary steps.
- Law Enforcement: Victims can file a sexual assault report with Minnesota law enforcement using the police non-emergency number or in person at a local police station. Filing a report with law enforcement opens the door to pursuing criminal charges and creates a trail of evidence that can be used to support a civil claim.
- The Business: Filing a spa sexual misconduct report with the business is a crucial first step to seeking justice and compensation. If the company is part of a franchise or chain, survivors may be able to make a report through the corporate website in addition to reporting to the location where the incident occurred.
- State Licensing/Professional Organizations: While Minnesota has no state-level licensing requirements, victims may still have the option to report abusers to local professional organizations. Although these organizations are less official than a state licensing board, they may be able to enact professional consequences on the abuser that can help prevent future harm.
Legal Rights of Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault in Minnesota
It is the legal right of victims in Minnesota to pursue sexual assault lawsuits through both the civil and criminal court systems. The two courts function separately; the same case may travel through them simultaneously.
The criminal court system is focused on identifying and punishing the perpetrator. Following a law enforcement investigation, the state may file criminal charges. Not every investigation leads to a trial because criminal convictions require a high burden of proof, requiring the state to show that the accused is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
A successful criminal trial results in punishment for the perpetrator, such as jail time or fines. The goal of a civil trial is to compensate the victim. The burden of proof is much lower, meaning a civil trial may succeed where a criminal trial has failed.
The statute of limitations in Minnesota sexual assault claims can vary depending on the circumstances of the victim and the nature of the claim they are making. Minnesota sexual assault laws allow most victims at least 6 years to file a civil sexual assault claim.
However, moving quickly when filing a report is essential to avoid missing crucial deadlines and ensure that critical evidence does not degrade or disappear.
Factors that affect the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims:
- The age of the victim
- If the assault is considered aggravated
- Whether you are filing criminal or civil charges
Why You Need a Bloomington Spa Massage Sexual Assault Lawyer
Hiring legal representation for sexual abuse is one of the best things a survivor can do to protect themselves and their claim. Bloomington abuse attorneys can help victims navigate the complex legal process.
Your lawyer can assist with every step of the claims process—investigating the incident and gathering evidence to build a strong case that they can take to the negotiation table or the courtroom. The right lawyer minimizes client stress, avoids costly mistakes, and maximizes potential compensation.
Choosing to pursue a civil claim alongside criminal charges gives clients the opportunity to be compensated for their injuries while holding perpetrators and negligent spa owners accountable for the harm done to them.
If you have been the victim of spa and massage sexual assault, you deserve the opportunity to pursue justice and compensation. The experienced sexual assault lawyers at Florin|Roebig have the tools and resources to help you get it.
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Compensation for Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault
The goal of Bloomington sexual abuse claims is to secure compensation and justice for survivors. Compensation is usually monetary and is awarded in the form of damages. Damages can be awarded to compensate the victim or to punish the perpetrator.
The exact amount of compensation a victim is due is variable. It depends on several factors, including the degree and type of harm they have suffered, the number of negligent parties, and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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 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.
Florin|Roebig attorney Taylor Roebig says, “The number one goal of a sexual abuse attorney is to ensure fair and just compensation for sexual assault victims. The Minnesota legal system is complex; understanding and navigating those complexities requires expertise. Working with a top-rated lawyer ensures that a survivor is compensated for all the harm done to them.”
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Sexual Assault Case
Florin|Roebig attorneys are experts in the field of civil sexual abuse lawsuits. Our top-rated sexual abuse lawyers are dedicated to ensuring that every client gets the maximum compensation they are due while experiencing as little legal stress as possible.
Since its founding in 1985, Florin|Roebig has won over $1 billion in results for its clients, including a record-setting $47.4 million verdict in a massage abuse case. Our decades of combined experience and national recognition make us a top choice for survivors nationwide.
Our Bloomington spa sexual misconduct lawyers provide expert, individualized attention to every case. We fight hard for all our clients, from the initial free consultation until they receive the compensation they deserve.
Let our team fight for you. Contact Florin|Roebig today to schedule a free case assessment.
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 use a sexual assault lawsuit to hold your abuser accountable. In some cases, you may also be able to recover compensation from the spa if negligence on its part contributed to the assault.
What if I didn’t report the assault immediately?
You can still file a sexual assault lawsuit even if you didn’t report the assault immediately. Many victims delay reporting, but it’s best to report assault as soon as possible.
How long do I have to file a claim in Minnesota?
Adults have 6 years to file a civil sexual assault claim. Those who were minors at the time of their assault can file anytime before they turn 24.
What types of evidence do I need for a sexual abuse case?
Your lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence. Witness statements, receipts, communication records, police reports, medical records and evaluations, and CCTV footage can all be used as evidence in sexual assault trials.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for my case?
Most reputable personal injury lawyers work on contingency and aren’t paid unless you win your case. They then receive an agreed-upon percentage of the award amount.
Find the Help You Need Today at Florin|Roebig
Filing a civil sexual assault case allows victims to hold perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable while seeking the compensation they need to recover from their injuries. Starting the legal process can be intimidating, but victims don’t have to face this challenge alone.
Florin|Roebig’s local Bloomington sexual abuse lawyers have the tools and experience to provide top-quality legal help for sexual assault victims. Working with Florin|Roebig attorneys allows survivors to focus on recovery while our expert legal team handles the investigation, evidence gathering, and the practicalities of filing.
If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted and you need the help of a competent, compassionate sexual abuse attorney, don’t wait to reach out. Contact Florin|Roebig today to discuss your case or schedule a free evaluation.
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