Sexual Assault by a Massage Therapist or Esthetician

Do you need help? Call LBK and let us guide and inform you of your options.

Successful Results For Our Clients

Specializing in Cases Involving Sexual Assaults at Massage Parlors & Spas

We, at LBK, have successfully handled hundreds of cases nationwide against massage & spa companies

Our lawyers represent victims of sexual assault by professionals, such as massage therapists, estheticians or spa employees during massage or spa treatments.

Anyone who has been sexually assaulted by a massage therapist or spa employee has legal rights available both in the criminal and civil justice systems. Sadly, a staggering number of people have been sexually violated during what was supposed to be a relaxing and safe experience.  Due to the nature of a massage and spa treatments many people are left confused as to whether the conduct of the service provider amounts to sexual abuse or inappropriate contact. Many survivors describe feeling confused, disoriented, shock, shame, humiliation, embarrassment and a whole host of other emotions. We are here to listen, support, advise and believe you. Our team consists of former prosecutors who are trauma informed and experienced trial attorneys to help you navigate all of your legal options.  

We Represent Over 200 Women in Massage Sexual Abuse Cases Against National Franchises - Including Massage Envy & Hand and Stone.

National News: Laffey, Bucci & Kent: Massage Envy Sex Assault Victims Lawsuits Make National News.

Our attorneys at Laffey, Bucci & Kent are currently and have in the past successfully litigated dozens of cases against Massage Envy and Hand & Stone and numerous other massage parlors and spas across the country for sexual assaults committed by local franchisee employees and massage therapists. Currently, we represent over 200 women who have come forward with their truth about being sexually assaulted at these national chains and other independently owned spas.

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Holding Corporations Accountable

One of the most important issues to arise in a massage therapist sexual assault case is whether the business itself can be held liable. That includes not only the owner of the local business, but also the national franchise corporation.

Many national franchises/companies in the massage therapy industry have popped up in recent years. Oftentimes, these types of national franchises require strict compliance with protocols. Many times, local franchises are required to abide by requirements set by the national company. In some instances, these policies may put unsuspecting customers at risk. For instance, a national massage therapy company may prevent local franchises from filing reports with local law enforcement or state/local massage therapy licensing organizations after receiving reports of sexual assault by massage therapists. This is the type of conduct which can create an environment ripe for sexual assault. This is where we come in. Here at Laffey Bucci Kent (LBK) we have the national Reputation, the Resources and proven Results to hold these corporations accountable. Schedule a meeting with one of our trauma informed attorneys who specialize in representing survivors of sexual abuse. 

Monthly Massage Memberships:
Perfect Storm For Sexual Assault

Many massage therapy businesses offer monthly memberships where a customer pays a low monthly fee and in return receives a several massages a month. These types of corporations foster a high volume practice which often leads to low standards when it comes to hiring, supervising and training massages therapists. For perpetrators of sexual assault this is an ideal situation within which to victimize vulnerable customers.

Given the physical vulnerability that naturally occurs during a massage, these types of monthly membership scenarios provide the perfect storm for sexual assault–a massage therapist gets access to dozens of clients who feel compelled to get a massage precisely because they’ve joined and paid a monthly membership fee. In such high volume situations, quality control and protocol may become secondary considerations to the large profits these companies are making; reports of misconduct may be ignored or worse, hidden from the public. The mentality of many of these companies is to simply get as many customers as possible on a massage table with almost no thought as to that customer’s safety and well-being. 

Another fact that is well known to these companies is that massage therapists who are sexual predators usually escalate sexual misconduct over a period of time, usually over weeks or months.

In a case involving a massage therapist, the perpetrator may spend more time massaging areas near private parts or may engage in light touching of genital regions. Massage clients may feel uncomfortable, but often believe they imagined the contact. Their silence only serves to embolden perpetrators, who then believe their conduct is acceptable. Even if a client reports feeling uncomfortable with a specific massage therapist, the business may fail to investigate the situation or ask any questions at all. In some instances, the investigation may be intentionally swept under the rug, which puts every customer at risk and increasing the potential for being sexually assaulted.

We know what to look for because of our decades of experience in representing survivors of sexual assault, especially in the massage industry. Let us fight for you and hold these companies accountable and responsible. Every survivor who comes forward helps change policy and procedure in these companies. The goal being that one day these companies stop putting profits over the people they are entrusted to protect. 

"Our trauma informed attorneys who specialize in representing sexual assault survivors are proud to represent each and every one of our clients. The brave survivors who have come forward to speak their truth are always treated with dignity, respect and empathy. Fighting to obtain justice for survivors is what we do with confidence, passion and dedication."

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting a soothing massage should be a relaxing and therapeutic experience that benefits your physical and mental health. Unfortunately, that is not always the case when you visit a spa or massage salon.

If a spa or massage salon employee or therapist inappropriately touched you or sexually assaulted you during a session, you have legal recourse. First, report the incident to the establishment’s owners or management (if it’s safe to do so), then contact the police.

You have rights, including the right to seek legal representation, the right to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator, and the right to assistance and support. You also have the legal right to sue any liable third-party, such as a business owner.

If you experience sexual assault at a spa or massage salon, contact Laffey, Bucci & Kent at 215-399-9255 to speak with experienced, compassionate professionals who understand the process and can help you.

Our lawyers represent victims of sexual assault by professionals, such as massage therapists or spa employees during a massage/spa treatment. Firm founder Brian Kent is a former sex crimes unit prosecutor who now advocates for victims in the civil courts.

We can help you seek compensation for the harm you incurred. Although no amount of compensation can change what happened, your lawsuit could help bring awareness of unreported cases of sexual exploitation to light.

In recent years, reports of sex abuse at stand-alone and hotel spas and massage salons across the U.S. have increased, including claims against popular franchise chain business Massage Envy, which received more than 180 allegations of sexual assault.

Attorneys at Laffey, Bucci & Kent represented more than 30 of the 180 women who came forward with allegations against Massage Envy therapists. We understand the trauma caused by sexual abuse, and we are dedicated to seeking justice and making sure you are never silenced.

 Sexual abuse includes unwanted sexual attention, fondling, rape, sexual touching, nonconsensual stroking, hugging, rubbing, kissing, and many other uninvited actions.  A massage therapist should never touch your private areas, and you should always feel safe and in control of where you are touched during a session.
 
Many sexual assault and misconduct cases continue to go unreported because victims feel embarrassed, overwhelmed, confused, and even ashamed. It’s important to know what’s normal – and not normal – during a massage and to remember that you can leave at any point if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

The short answer: yes.

When you go for a massage, you are putting yourself in a vulnerable position with a stranger in a space designed to let you put your guard down and relax. A massage therapist who takes advantage of that vulnerability should be held accountable for their unwanted actions.

 Sexual assault victims may not know that in addition to seeking legal action against the perpetrator, massage establishments and business owners can also be held liable for the acts of the massage therapist. It’s important to seek the help of an experienced sexual assault lawyer who understands the trauma and is committed to protecting your rights.
 
At Laffey, Bucci & Kent, we promise your voice will be heard through the entire legal process. For more information, contact or sexual assault lawyers at 215-399-9255.

If a massage therapist or spa employee sexually assaulted you, it’s normal to be confused, stunned, and even angry.

If you feel that a massage therapist crossed boundaries and violated you, it’s important to remember that it’s not your fault, there is help, and you have the right to hold them accountable for their misconduct.

You have the right to a safe and comfortable massage experience. If you are unsure of where to turn for help, you are not alone. You can dial 911, visit a hospital emergency room or call the 24-hour National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). It’s supported by RAINN, and it’s confidential and safe.

You can also contact Laffey, Bucci & Kent at 215-399-9255 to speak with experienced, compassionate professionals who understand sexual assault trauma and can help you.

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