Luxury spas and wellness centers are places where many turn to for peace, healing, and self-care. However, for some, these serene retreats have become settings of betrayal and trauma due to inappropriate and predatory behavior. For victims, the emotional toll of these experiences is immeasurable, often compounded by the fear of speaking out and seeking justice.
At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., we empower victims with our protection and legal representation so they have the strength to speak. Our personal injury law firm focuses on the needs of people and shielding the vulnerable. We are committed to helping survivors achieve justice by holding perpetrators and negligent establishments accountable.
Industry-Wide Patterns of Abuse and Negligence
Several prominent national wellness franchises, Massage Envy, Hand & Stone, and MassageLuXe, have faced lawsuits alleging widespread sexual misconduct by therapists employed across multiple locations. These cases reveal concerning trends: failure to conduct adequate background checks, negligent hiring of individuals with histories of misconduct, ignoring prior complaints, and insufficient policies to protect clients.
For example, Massage Envy has been the subject of over 180 sexual assault lawsuits, some involving therapists with multiple accusations. Similarly, Hand & Stone and MassageLuXe franchises have faced scrutiny for inadequate oversight allowing assault to occur repeatedly. These cases highlight systemic failings often hidden beneath operations branded with luxury and trust.
Recognizing the Signs of Sexual Abuse
Recognizing the signs of sexual abuse is a crucial step in protecting yourself and others from harm. Sexual abuse can manifest in many forms, including inappropriate touching, exposing oneself, or coercive and manipulative behavior designed to make victims feel powerless. Often, survivors describe feeling confused or conflicted because abusers sometimes disguise their actions as normal or accidental. It’s essential to trust your instincts when something doesn’t feel right and to acknowledge these behaviors for what they are—violations of trust and safety.
Signs extend beyond physical indicators to emotional and behavioral symptoms such as:
- Sudden anxiety, depression, or panic attacks
- Difficulty trusting others or establishing boundaries
- Sleep disturbances or nightmares
- Withdrawal from social activities or loved ones
- Avoidance of therapy or wellness appointments previously enjoyed
What You Can Do If You Are a Survivor of a Sexual Assault
If you have experienced sexual misconduct during a wellness session:
- Document details immediately, including dates, times, and any communication
- Seek medical and mental health support promptly
- Report the abuse to law enforcement and state licensing boards
- Contact an attorney experienced in pursuing claims against spas and negligent businesses
- Reach out to survivor advocacy groups and support networks to aid in recovery
Legal Protections and Holding Businesses Accountable
Victims of sexual abuse in spas can pursue justice not only against individual abusers but also through civil claims targeting businesses under premises liability and negligent hiring laws. State authorities increasingly mandate reporting of abuse allegations to licensing boards overseeing massage therapists and wellness centers. Responding swiftly and thoroughly to complaints is both a legal and ethical necessity for these businesses.
How Premises Liability Laws Protect Sexual Abuse Survivors
Sexual abuse cases often overlap with personal injury and premises liability laws, providing a pathway for victims to seek justice beyond criminal charges. Personal injury laws recognize the physical and emotional harm caused by an abuser's actions, giving survivors the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Premises liability laws further strengthen victims’ cases by holding property owners or businesses accountable when negligence creates an environment where abuse occurs.
This can include spas failing to properly screen employees, ignoring reports of misconduct, or creating unsafe conditions where the abuse takes place. Victims can file claims against such establishments to address the broader system of negligence that allowed the abuse, ensuring the business takes accountability for its failure to protect clients. Through civil suits, victims can secure vital compensation to support their recovery and send a powerful message about the importance of enforcing safety and accountability.
Holding Negligent Businesses Accountable for Sexual Misconduct
Negligence by businesses can play a significant role in enabling sexual abuse in workplaces, including in high-end exclusive environments. When organizations fail to establish or enforce safety protocols, ignore warning signs of misconduct, or dismiss complaints from victims, they create an environment where abuse can occur or persist unchecked. For instance, failing to protect employees, neglecting to act on reports of inappropriate behavior, or prioritizing profits over employee or client safety can have devastating consequences for individuals who trusted these spaces. Survivors are not only harmed by the perpetrator's actions but also by the institutions’ failure to protect them.
How Our Attorneys Help Sexual Assault Survivors Seek Justice
Seeking justice in the wake of sexual abuse is a courageous and complex journey, but you do not have to face it alone. Holding individual perpetrators and negligent establishments accountable for their actions or inaction, victims can advocate for their rights and create a ripple effect that demands accountability. If you or a loved one have been a victim of sexual assault, you deserve legal support as you take the brave steps towards justice and closure. Contact Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., today. Help is available to guide you through toward a brighter, safer future.
