When performed by a responsible practitioner, massage has many physical and mental benefits. Many patients use massage as part of a long-term treatment plan for conditions like migraines or chronic pain. Customers deserve to book treatments knowing that their massage will be handled by a reputable and trustworthy professional.
Unfortunately, experienced sexual predators can use the intimate and high-contact nature of massage to take advantage of vulnerable clients. Minnesota’s lack of any state-level licensing requirements for massage therapists and a lack of responsibility on the part of negligent spa owners makes it easy for abusers to continue offending unchecked, sometimes for years.
If you were subjected to massage sexual assault in Duluth and you need assistance filing a sexual abuse claim, Florin|Roebig attorneys can help. Our team of experienced sexual assault attorneys has decades of combined experience navigating the complexities of sensitive massage sexual abuse cases. We can guide you through every step of the claims process, reducing stress and maximizing potential compensation.
Let our team help you hold your abuser and the institutions that enabled the abuse accountable for the harm done to you. Contact Florin|Roebig today for a free consultation.
Understanding Sexual Assault in Spa and Massage Settings
Sexual assault is a tragically common form of violence. According to RAINN—an organization dedicated to helping survivors—an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. Sexual abuse can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status.
Sexual assault is a chronically underreported crime, and victims of massage therapist sexual assault face several unique challenges when it comes to identifying and reporting what has happened to them.
There is significant variation in spa misconduct claims. Some victims are subjected to sudden, brutal attacks, while others are subjected to subtle but increasingly violating behaviors that escalate over time. This variation can leave some victims unsure if what they have experienced qualifies as assault.
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
Sexual violence is deeply traumatic, and survivors often deal with damage to their mental, physical, and social health. Many victims face significant difficulties during recovery, struggling with employment, relationships, and other serious problems that can make life more challenging.
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
Florin|Roebig attorney Taylor Roebig says, “Frequently, abusers and the facilities that employ them will seek to dismiss concerns or manipulate victims into doubting their own experiences to avoid consequences and protect profits. If you are unsure if your experiences qualify you for a sexual assault claim, always trust your gut and consult a legal professional.”
Why Spa and Massage Sexual Assault Occurs
Spa and massage sexual assault have made headline news in recent years, with hundreds of victims coming forward to bring abusers to justice. Popular chains like Massage Envy, Elements Massage, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Spavia Day Spa, and countless smaller institutions have all struggled to solve this critical issue with limited success.
But what makes massage sexual assault and inappropriate touching such a common issue? One of the primary causes of massage sexual misconduct is a lack of spa accountability. Many institutions do not perform adequate background checks on massage therapists or spa employees.
Compounding this issue, businesses frequently do not have policies in place to protect vulnerable clients and have little to no formal infrastructure for handling and escalating reports of sexual assault.
For example, former CEO and co-founder of Massage Heights, Shane Evans, admitted on the stand during a trial that she knew of more than 53 reports of sexual misconduct that the business chose not to act on.
A lack of oversight from facilities paired with the private and high-contact nature of massage creates an environment where therapist abuse of trust often goes unnoticed and unacknowledged. Many offenders, when finally caught, are found to have abused and traumatized numerous clients over the years.
Steps to Take if You Are Sexually Assaulted During a Spa or Massage Session
Sexual assault is a severe trauma that can leave survivors feeling frightened, depressed, angry, and stuck. Taking organized action can be difficult when you are in a fight, flight, or freeze state due to trauma.
The list below is meant to help Duluth sexual abuse victims take simple but meaningful steps to take back control and protect their right to justice and compensation. Even if you are not ready to act on the information provided, try confiding in a trusted friend or family member who can help you access vital resources.
Actions to take after a spa or massage assault:
- Stay safe: Your safety is the top priority. Stop the massage, leave the premises, and secure a safe location. You are never obligated to provide a reason for leaving a session early. No is a complete sentence.
- Document the incident: Having detailed and accurate information strengthens your case and makes collecting evidence easier. Record the therapist’s details, including the date, time, and behavior.
- Make a report: It’s best to report sexual assault as soon as possible. File a report with local law enforcement and management at the facility where the assault occurred. If possible, keep a record of any communication between yourself and the abuser’s place of employment.
- Preserve any evidence: Do your best to preserve evidence like clothing, receipts, and witness information. A lawyer can help you understand the evidence most valuable for building a strong case.
- Seek legal advice: The best thing you can do to protect your legal rights and help your sexual assault claim succeed is to get a lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced sexual assault lawyer can help you with every step of the claims process, helping you navigate legal complexities so you can focus on recovery.
Reporting Sexual Assault to Authorities and Institutions
There are many reasons a survivor might hesitate to file a sexual assault report. Many fear disbelief or judgment, others may have a complicated history with law enforcement, and some simply don’t know where to start.
Filing a spa sexual misconduct report can be challenging, but it is the first step survivors must take when pursuing a sexual abuse lawsuit. Reporting your abuser not only helps secure your right to seek compensation for your injuries, but it can also help prevent them from harming others.
There are several institutions survivors should keep in mind when deciding where to report their assault.
- Law Enforcement: Survivors can file a sexual assault report with Minnesota law enforcement in person at a local police station or through the police non-emergency phone number. Reporting to law enforcement allows them to open an investigation into the incident, which could lead to criminal charges being filed against your abuser.
- Corporate: By reporting the assault to management at the facility where it occurred, you give business owners the opportunity to prevent a dangerous employee from doing further harm. It also creates a valuable paper trail that can be used to support your claim later. If the business is part of a chain or franchise, survivors can make an additional report using the contact information found on the corporate website.
- State Licensing/Professional Organizations: Although Minnesota does not have any state-level licensing requirements, victims can still report their assault to local professional organizations, which may have the power to enact consequences that will make it more difficult for the abuser to continue offending.
Legal Rights of Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault in Minnesota
Minnesota sexual assault laws allow sexual assault lawsuits to be handled in the civil and criminal court systems simultaneously. The decision to file criminal charges in a sexual assault case rests with the state, which decides which cases to pursue after an investigation by law enforcement.
Conviction in a criminal trial requires a high burden of proof. The state must show that the accused committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. A successful criminal sexual assault lawsuit focuses on seeking punishment for the offender, which may include fines, mandatory therapy or community service, and jail time.
Civil lawsuits protect victims’ legal right to pursue compensation. They have a lower burden of proof, meaning a civil lawsuit may be successful even if a criminal lawsuit did not result in a conviction for the offender. By filing a civil lawsuit, victims can seek monetary compensation from both the abuser and any negligent institutions, like the spa or franchise, that allowed the abuse to occur.
The amount of time survivors have to file a sexual assault lawsuit varies depending on the exact circumstances of the victim and the crime. Once the statute of limitations has passed, victims are no longer eligible to seek compensation, making it crucial to act as soon as possible.
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 Duluth Spa Massage Sexual Assault Lawyer
Seeking legal representation for sexual abuse is one of the most important things you can do to give your case the best possible chance of a successful outcome. The laws surrounding sexual assault are complex, and navigating these sensitive cases can be stressful and burdensome for victims.
Florin|Roebig’s Duluth abuse attorneys help clients with every step of the claims process, investigating and gathering evidence to build a strong case that will win results at the negotiating table or in court.
While criminal charges can lead to punishment for your abuser, the only way to get compensation for your injuries is to file a personal injury claim. Our experienced sexual assault lawyers will work tirelessly to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
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Compensation for Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault
Compensation in Duluth sexual abuse claims is usually monetary and is awarded in the form of damages. These damages are awarded based on the circumstances of your assault and can vary in type and amount. Damages may be awarded to compensate the victim and to punish the abusers.
Sexual assault claims are complex, and you may be eligible for more types of damages than you think. A good lawyer helps ensure that compensation for sexual assault victims is full and fair, accounting for all of the harm done to them.
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.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Sexual Assault Case
Named a Distinguished Law Firm in 2025 by Best Law Firms® report, Florin|Roebig attorneys have the expertise and resources to get clients the compensation they need to recover. Since our founding in 1985, we’ve won over $1 billion in results for our clients, including a record-setting $47.4 million verdict in a massage abuse case.
Our top-rated sexual abuse lawyers have the experience to handle complex sexual assault cases with sensitivity, compassion, and attention to detail. We understand that every case and client is different and will always consider your preferences and concerns when planning your individualized legal strategy.
Florin|Roebig’s Duluth spa sexual misconduct lawyers offer all potential clients a free case assessment. We guide our clients through every step of the claims process, leveraging our local knowledge and national recognition to get all our clients full and fair compensation for their injuries.
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FAQs About Spa Massage Sexual Assault Claims
Can I sue the spa or massage therapist for sexual assault?
Depending on the circumstances of your claim, you may be able to hold both the massage therapist and the spa accountable for their violence and negligence through a sexual assault lawsuit.
What if I didn’t report the assault immediately?
Many victims are unable or unwilling to report an assault immediately. It is still possible to file a successful sexual assault claim even if you waited before reporting.
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?
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 personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning they don’t get paid until you win your case. After a win, your lawyer is paid a predetermined percentage of the award amount.
Find the Help You Need Today at Florin|Roebig
When attempting to hold perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable, victims need and deserve support from experienced legal professionals. Florin|Roebig’s Duluth sexual abuse lawyers have the experience and the tools required to take on major massage chains and hold them accountable for their negligence.
Florin|Roebig attorneys have decades of combined experience providing expert legal help for sexual assault victims. If you or someone you love has experienced massage sexual assault and you are ready to explore your options for seeking justice, contact Florin|Roebig today to discuss your case or schedule a free evaluation.
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