Indiana Lawyers for Massage Therapy Sexual Abuse Survivors
Spas and massage clinics offer personal care services that are meant to provide necessary physical care and relaxation. The relationship between clients and massage therapists or aestheticians is one of trust. Clients expect the spa or clinic will provide a professional, safe, and relaxing environment for self-care. Recent media reports, however, highlight a disturbing violation of that expectation—massage therapists sexually abusing clients.
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Massage Envy sexual abuse lawsuits
Massage Envy is a well-known massage therapy franchise facing numerous lawsuits over alleged sexual assaults committed by massage therapists. There are over 1,100 Massage Envy franchise locations in 49 states across the United States. A 2017 media report indicated more than 180 women had filed sexual abuse lawsuits against the corporation citing incidents of inappropriate sexual touching. In some of the complaints, spa managers refused to contact law enforcement and allowed massage therapists to continue working with clients. These sexual assaults occurred in franchise locations across the United States. Legal documents indicate in some instances women who complained to spa management were given an apology and an offer for a free massage but no action was taken to contact law enforcement.
Indiana massage therapist arrested for rape
A Butler, Indiana massage therapist was arrested for rape in January 2020 after a massage client alerted law enforcement of non-consensual sexual activity during a massage. During the investigation into Butler Creative Touch Massage, another woman reported that she had also been subjected to non-consensual sexual activity during a massage performed by the massage therapist and owner of the facility. Massage therapist James Whitman awaits his initial hearing.
When a massage turns into sexual assault
How do you know what is appropriate and what is inappropriate during a massage? First, your massage therapist should confirm with you the type of massage requested and explain what to expect during the massage. The therapist should ask if you have any physical injuries they need to be aware of and what type of pressure you prefer. You determine the massage service. If you prefer the therapist to focus on a particular area or avoid one entirely, be sure to tell them. At no time should a massage therapist ever touch your genitals.
If you feel uncomfortable at any point during your massage, you have the right to tell the massage therapist to stop.
Sexual assault can include verbal sexual harassment or touching of a sexual nature. Brushing up against or groping of a body part as well as penetration are all forms of sexual assault. If you experienced sexual assault during a massage, contact local law enforcement. After you’ve notified the authorities, seek legal advice. Our sexual abuse attorneys are experienced in speaking with survivors of many types of sexual abuse. There is no cost to speak to us about a potential lawsuit. If you decide to pursue a lawsuit, our legal fees will be paid out of any settlement we secure for you. No one asks to be sexually assaulted. We are here to help you, contact us today.