Getting a massage should be a pleasant and relaxing experience. When done by an ethical professional, massage can treat conditions like muscle pain and migraines, manage chronic illnesses, and improve relaxation. Clients should be able to go into a spa or massage setting confident they will be treated respectfully and professionally.
Unfortunately, the massage industry—particularly in Minnesota, where there are no state licensing requirements—is an attractive prospect for predators. The intimate, high-contact nature of massage, the privacy of the setting, and the lack of protective policies and accountability from spa owners make it possible for abusers to operate unchecked, often for years.
Survivors of spa and massage sexual assault can hold perpetrators and negligent spa owners accountable by filing a sexual assault lawsuit. Personal injury lawsuits allow victims to pursue justice and compensation on their own terms, giving them options and security.
If you were sexually assaulted in Rochester, Minnesota, and you need help filing a sexual abuse claim, Florin|Roebig can help. Our Rochester spa sexual assault lawyers are dedicated to assisting clients in pursuing justice and compensation. Our team of personal injury experts has decades of combined experience navigating complex and sensitive sexual assault cases.
Let Florin|Roebig help you understand your options. Contact us at any time for a free consultation.
Understanding Sexual Assault in Spa and Massage Settings
Spa misconduct claims are unusual in that victims of spa and massage assault may not immediately realize what has happened to them. While some cases are violent and obvious, many abusers are more subtle, slowly escalating their inappropriate behavior in a way that causes their victims doubt and confusion.
The list below is necessarily incomplete. If you have experienced something during a spa or massage procedure that made you afraid or uncomfortable, we strongly encourage you to seek the advice of an experienced sexual assault attorney.
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
Massage therapist sexual assault can have very real consequences for victims who may struggle with relationships, job loss, and the inability to enjoy life the way they used to. Recovery can be difficult as victims deal with the physical, emotional, and financial fallout.
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
Almost every major massage chain has had a sexual assault lawsuit brought against them. These cases have cost them millions of dollars in compensation and legal fees. So why is massage sexual assault still so common?
One of the primary causes of massage sexual misconduct is therapist abuse of trust. Massage spaces provide predators with privacy and a built-in excuse to engage in intimate touch with vulnerable people.
A lack of spa accountability compounds this problem. Many facilities do not conduct adequate background checks on massage therapists and other spa employees, and most do not have procedures for handling complaints promptly or sensitively.
Predators who slip through these loopholes are often able to continue their activity for years due to a lack of policies for preventing abuse and addressing client complaints. For example, a masseuse working at the Men’s Spa Salon in Minneapolis admitted to assaulting more than 50 men over several years before he was brought to justice.
Florin|Roebig attorney Taylor Roebig says, “Spa and massage facilities have a duty to their clientele to provide a state and professional environment. When they fail to do so, survivors can hold them accountable for their negligence.”
Steps to Take if You Are Sexually Assaulted During a Spa or Massage Session
Feelings of fear, confusion, depression, and anger are natural after sexual assault. Many survivors enter a “freeze” state that can make it hard for them to move forward.
However, victims can act, either on their own or with the help of a loved one, to take back power from their abusers and those who would shield them in the name of profit.
The simple steps below are meant to provide Rochester sexual abuse victims with small, actionable tasks that can help them protect themselves and their ability to collect compensation. They are not a replacement for experienced legal counsel.
- Stay safe: To protect yourself from further abuse, leave the situation and get to a safe place as quickly as possible. Always trust your gut, and don’t hesitate to end a session as soon as you feel uncomfortable.
- Document the incident: Recording the therapist’s details, such as the date, time, and behavior, can help build an accurate and solid foundation for a later claim.
- Make a report: Victims should report sexual assault to local law enforcement and management at the facility where the assault occurred as soon as possible.
- Preserve any evidence: Protect your legal rights to compensation by preserving evidence like clothing, receipts, and witness information. Evidence is crucial to building a strong case.
- Seek legal advice: Access to experienced legal guidance is one of the most essential factors in determining the success of a sexual assault claim. Your lawyer can help with every step of the claims process, minimizing potential errors and maximizing compensation.
Reporting Sexual Assault to Authorities and Institutions
It’s best practice to file a sexual assault report as soon as possible. Doing so prevents witnesses from being influenced or disappearing and helps to preserve other crucial evidence that can be used to build a solid claim.
Unfortunately, due to the traumatic nature of sexual assault, many victims hesitate to make a report. Some may fear judgment or disbelief, while others may have complicated feelings about law enforcement or misunderstandings about how the justice system works.
However, reporting is crucial to protecting your ability to collect fair and just compensation. It also helps to prevent the abuser from continuing to harm others. Your lawyer can help you understand where and how to file a report.
- Law Enforcement: Filing a report with Minnesota law enforcement allows them to open an investigation, which can lead to criminal charges. Reports can be made via the police non-emergency phone number or at a local police station.
- The Business: Victims should file a spa sexual misconduct report at the location where the assault occurred. They can do so by phone, email, or in person. If the business is part of a franchise or chain, victims should also use the corporate website to make an additional report to upper management.
- State Licensing/Professional Organizations: Minnesota is one of only four states with no state-level licensing requirements for massage therapists. Despite this lack of oversight, victims may still be able to file a complaint with a local professional organization that can enact consequences and work to prevent harm while investigations are ongoing.
Legal Rights of Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault in Minnesota
Minnesota protects the legal right for victims to pursue both civil and criminal lawsuits and sexual assault cases. Civil lawsuits are in the hands of the victim. They have a relatively low burden of proof and generally result in monetary compensation.
The decision to bring criminal charges rests with the state. A criminal trial is triggered due to an investigation by law enforcement and usually requires substantial evidence to pursue because the burden of proof is very high. Successful criminal trials result in punishment for the defender, such as jail time or fines.
Minnesota sexual assault laws allow victims to pursue compensation against both the perpetrator and the spa for negligence. Pursuing compensation from multiple sources helps to maximize the award amount and incentivizes negligent companies to change harmful policies that endanger clients.
Unfortunately, victims have a limited amount of time to pursue a sexual assault claim. This time limit is called the statute of limitations, and it can vary depending on the circumstances of the claim and the victim.
Most victims of spa and massage assaults in Minnesota have up to 6 years to file a claim, but it’s best to act as quickly as possible to preserve evidence and prevent harm.
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 Rochester Spa Massage Sexual Assault Lawyer
Pursuing a civil sexual assault claim gives victims the opportunity to seek justice and compensation on their own terms. The choice to pursue criminal charges is in the hands of the state, and even a successful criminal case will not result in compensation for the victim.
Experienced sexual assault lawyers can help victims take back control and secure fair and just compensation for the harm done to them. Securing legal representation for sexual abuse is one of the best things survivors can do to protect their legal rights and ensure that their case proceeds smoothly.
The Rochester abuse attorneys at Florin|Roebig assist their clients with every step of the claims process, investigating the incident, gathering evidence, and building a strong case ready for the scrutiny of the negotiating table or the courtroom.
Schedule a free case assessment today to discuss your compensation options with a team member.
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Compensation for Victims of Spa Massage Sexual Assault
Compensation for victims of sexual assault and inappropriate touching is almost always monetary. It is awarded as damages, which can be given to compensate the victim or punish the abuser.
In many cases, victims are also eligible to seek compensation from the business or facility where the assault took place. To do so, they must prove that the spa or massage parlor was negligent in preventing harm.
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.
Most Rochester sexual abuse claims are settled out of court, with only a tiny fraction going to trial. In either case, experienced legal counsel is vital in ensuring that victims receive fair and just compensation for their injuries.
You may be eligible for more forms of compensation than you are aware of. The right lawyer can help you understand all of your options.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Sexual Assault Case
Named a Distinguished Law Firm in 2025 by Best Law Firms® report, Florin|Roebig’s top-rated sexual abuse lawyers have decades of combined experience navigating complex sexual assault cases. Our Rochester spa sexual misconduct lawyers combine knowledge of local law and procedures with the support and resources only available from a nationally ranked law firm.
Florin|Roebig attorneys have a documented history of success with over $1 billion in results won for our clients since 1985. A recent $47.4 million verdict in a massage abuse case broke records in the field, cementing our team as a top choice for sexual assault survivors.
Our expert personal injury lawyers are leaders in their field, ready to support clients through every step of the legal process. We understand that every claim is different and offer a personalized approach to seeking justice that respects the unique needs of every client.
We want to help you get the maximum potential compensation you are due. Contact us today for a free case assessment so we can help you better understand your options.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
FAQs About Spa Massage Sexual Assault Claims
Can I sue the spa or massage therapist for sexual assault?
Minnesota sexual assault law allows most victims to hold both the perpetrator and the negligent spa owner accountable through a sexual assault lawsuit.
What if I didn’t report the assault immediately?
Trauma often makes it difficult for victims to report assaults immediately. You can still file a lawsuit even if you wait to make a report.
How long do I have to file a claim in Minnesota?
The statute of limitations for sexual assault claims in Minnesota is 6 years for adults. 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 top-rated personal injury attorneys work on contingency. In this situation, you pay nothing out of pocket. Instead, your lawyer is guaranteed a percentage of the final compensation amount.
Find the Help You Need Today at Florin|Roebig
Victims of sexual assaults often face severe physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Seeking compensation through a sexual assault lawsuit gives victims the power to pursue justice and recovery.
The Rochester sexual abuse lawyers at Florin|Roebig can help you hold your abuser and the negligent institutions protecting them accountable. Choosing the right lawyer is one of the most critical factors in achieving a successful outcome in your case. We’re confident that our team of experts can help you successfully pursue justice against those who have harmed you.
Florin|Roebig attorneys pride themselves on providing compassionate and thorough legal help for sexual assault victims. Our legal team has the experience and the resources to navigate sensitive sexual assault and inappropriate touching cases. We provide every client with an individualized legal plan to get them the maximum compensation they are due.
If you or someone you love was the victim of spa or massage sexual assault, know that you don’t have to fight alone. Contact Florin|Roebig today to discuss your case or schedule a free evaluation.
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