If you or a loved one was touched inappropriately at a massage spa in San Francisco, you may have grounds to bring a sexual assault claim against the individual or establishment. Sexual abuse is not only a crime in California; it is a civil tort. This means victims have the right to seek financial compensation for the wrongful act of sexual abuse.
At Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, our San Francisco sexual abuse lawyers can help if you were sexually abused at a massage spa, day spa, resort or medical spa. We can review your case, answer your legal questions, and aggressively pursue a lawsuit against one or more parties for the crime committed against you. We are here to fight on your behalf.
Proven Sexual Abuse Attorneys
- Our lawyers have represented thousands of clients in a range of sexual abuse, assault and harassment cases around the globe. We are premier California sexual abuse attorneys.
- We have obtained over $1.5 billion in settlements and verdicts for past clients. We will do what it takes to achieve the best possible results for your case, even if that means going to trial.
- As our client, you come first. We will listen to your story and believe you. Our attorneys will work closely with you to achieve your case goals and make sure you have everything you need.
What Is Massage Spa Sexual Abuse in San Francisco?
Sexual abuse is a crime in California under Penal Code 243.4. This law states that any person who touches an intimate part of another person against the victim’s will and for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification or sexual abuse is guilty of sexual battery (also referred to as sexual assault or abuse). “Intimate part” is defined as “the sexual organ, anus, groin or buttocks of any person, and the breast of a female.” The penalties for committing sexual battery can include a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment in a county jail or prison.
Massage spa sexual abuse describes any type of sex crime committed against a customer or client by a massage therapist or spa staff member. The nature of massage therapy requires a massage therapist to physically touch a client. However, the therapist’s hands and other body parts should not come into contact with the client’s intimate parts for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification or abuse. This crosses the line into a sex crime in California and can entitle the victim to take legal action.
What Is and Is Not Allowed by Massage Therapists?
Massage is a clinical practice that is performed by a trained and certified medical professional known as a massage therapist. This person should be properly licensed and educated before treating any clients. Massage therapists knead the muscles and other soft tissues to promote general wellness and treat injuries.
When you go to a massage spa or get massaged by a professional massage therapist, he or she should treat you with respect and professionalism. Unfortunately, some massage therapists take advantage of their positions to break the law and sexually abuse clients. There are legal boundaries for what a massage therapist can and cannot do. For example, every massage client must be given the opportunity to dress and undress in private.
Once on the massage table, the client should be securely covered with a sheet or towel so as not to expose private areas. Touching, massaging or of a female’s breasts is off-limits and constitutes sexual assault under California law. If a massage therapist needs to work on a client’s buttocks or glutes, he or she must ask permission first. In any event, a client’s genitals should be covered while the therapist is working.
Do I Have a Massage Sexual Abuse Case?
If you were touched inappropriately, flashed, harassed or mistreated by a massage therapist – or if you are a massage therapist who was sexually harassed or assaulted by a coworker at a massage spa – you may have grounds to file a civil lawsuit. A lawsuit seeks financial compensation from one or multiple parties for causing the harm suffered by the filing party. It is possible to seek monetary damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Civil lawsuits in California can be based on negligence or intentional acts of wrongdoing. Negligence is the failure to use reasonable care, such as if a massage spa fails to conduct proper background checks on new hires. An intentional act is done knowingly and with intent to harm or abuse a victim, such as a massage therapist inappropriately touching a client’s genitals during a massage.
It may be possible to hold both the massage therapist as well as the massage spa liable for a case of sexual abuse. A successful insurance claim or civil lawsuit could result in payment for several associated losses, as well as penalize the abuser for his or her crimes. The massage therapist may have his or her professional license revoked, for example, and be terminated from the massage spa. The perpetrator can also face criminal consequences, such as jail time and fines.
What to Do if You Suffered Sexual Abuse at a Massage Spa in San Francisco
If you believe you are in imminent danger of bodily harm at a massage spa, call 911 to report a sexual abuse or assault crime immediately. If the situation is not an emergency but you still wish to press criminal charges against a massage therapist, you can dial 911 or call San Francisco’s non-emergency police number to file a police report.
After any type of sexual assault incident, you should go to a doctor for a professional checkup and sexual assault forensic exam. Report a massage therapist who inappropriately touched you to the licensing authority – the California Massage Therapy Council. This organization is in charge of certifying massage professionals and making sure they meet the minimum required standards to keep their licenses.
Filing a complaint with the Council can lead to an investigation of the massage therapist and the company where he or she works. This may lead to the loss of the abuser’s professional certification or license. When you are ready to take legal action against someone for sexually abusing you at a massage spa, contact a plaintiff’s attorney.
Consult With a San Francisco Massage Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
Being sexually assaulted at a massage spa in San Francisco is extremely distressing. While nothing can take back what happened to you, filing a sexual assault lawsuit in San Francisco against the perpetrator and/or massage parlor can give you a measure of justice. It can allow you to take back control of your life.
At Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, we are prepared to file a claim on your behalf and fight for justice. Start with a free and completely confidential case review with one of our dedicated sexual abuse lawyers or contact us online today.
