Signs of Sexual Misconduct During Massage
Getting a massage should be relaxing. You’re supposed to leave feeling better, not violated. But sexual assault happens at massage establishments more often than anyone wants to admit. Places like Massage Envy, Hand and Stone, and Massage Luxe have all faced lawsuits and complaints.
So how do you know if what happened crossed the line? Your gut feeling is usually right. If something felt wrong, it probably was wrong. Let’s get specific about what constitutes misconduct.
First, any touching of your genital areas is never acceptable during legitimate massage therapy. Florida law is crystal clear on this. Massage therapists cannot make contact with genitals under any circumstances. If this happened to you, that’s assault.
Watch out for inappropriate draping, too. Therapists should keep you adequately covered. If they’re exposing areas unnecessarily or lingering on your inner thighs or inner buttocks, that’s a red flag. The Outer buttocks may be included in a deep-tissue massage, but there are strict professional guidelines for providing this type of massage. Caressing or spending excessive time in these areas isn’t therapeutic—it’s predatory.
Verbal harassment counts as misconduct as well. Sexual comments, inappropriate jokes, or suggestive remarks have no place in professional massage. Neither do questions about your sex life or relationship status.
Understanding Your Legal Rights as a Victim
Look, you may be reading this article weeks after an incident during a massage occurred. Part of you isn’t sure if you should say anything. You may feel embarrassed. Maybe you’re second-guessing yourself, was it really that bad? Did it actually count as assault? Stop right there. If a therapist crossed a line with you, yes, you absolutely have legal options.
Florida treats sexual misconduct by massage therapists as a serious crime. Depending on circumstances, offenders can face charges ranging from sexual assault to sexual battery. These are felonies that carry real prison time.
But criminal charges aren’t your only option. You are also able to file a civil lawsuit to pursue financial compensation for the emotional trauma, therapy costs, lost wages, and ongoing psychological impact. Civil cases operate separately from criminal cases, so you don’t have to wait.
Many believe that they can only prosecute the therapist who assaulted them. This is incorrect. The company can be liable too. Did they actually run a proper background check on this therapist? Were there complaints before yours that got swept under the rug? Did the company have any meaningful safety measures in place? When the answer to these questions is no—and it often is—the establishment shares responsibility for what occurred. At Lipinski Law, we’ve handled over 40 cases of sexual assault during massage, at establishments such as Massage Envy Franchising, Massage Luxe, and Hand and Stone.
How to Report Sexual Assault at Massage Establishments
If you’ve recently experienced assault, your priority is your safety. If you’re still at the location and feel unsafe, leave immediately. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.
Once you’re safe, document everything while the details are fresh. Write down the date, time, therapist’s name, precisely what happened, and any witnesses. Take photos of visible injuries. Consider getting a medical examination—this creates official documentation.
You have several reporting options. You can file a police report by calling the non-emergency line or going directly to the station. Reporting the incident will create an official record and may prevent the therapist in question from harming others.
You should also file a complaint with the Florida Board of Massage Therapy. Download a complaint form from their enforcement website or call 1-888-419-3456. Even without criminal charges, a board complaint can lead to disciplinary action.
Report the incident to the establishment itself—both to local management and, if it’s a franchise, to corporate headquarters. Document these reports in writing.
Why You Need an Experienced Sexual Assault Attorney
Navigating reporting systems while dealing with trauma is usually overwhelming. That’s where having an experienced attorney makes the difference. At Lipinski Law, we use a trauma-informed approach since we understand that victims of sexual assault often face unique challenges. There’s no need to relive your trauma repeatedly or fight bureaucratic systems alone.
An attorney can file necessary paperwork, handle communications with insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation. We are aware of which evidence matters, how to document psychological harm, and what your case is worth. Most importantly, we take the legal burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on healthy healing.
If you’ve been sexually assaulted during a massage, you deserve justice. Contact Lipinski Law for a confidential consultation about your case.
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The content provided on this blog is for informational and marketing purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. The information contained herein is general in nature and may not apply to your particular legal situation. Readers should not act or refrain from acting based on any content on this blog without first seeking appropriate legal or professional advice. This blog is intended solely for the promotion and marketing of Lipinski Law’s services and has been drafted through the support of non-lawyers. No content may be copied, reproduced, distributed, or used for any other purpose without the express written consent of Lipinski Law. Viewing or publicly interacting with this blog does not create any obligation on the part of the firm to provide legal representation, and communications through this platform may not be confidential or privileged. For legal advice specific to your situation, please contact our office directly at (561) 453-4800 to have a free consultation about your particular case, which is protected through the attorney-client relationship.
