Massage sexual abuse victim attorneys in Virginia
Were you assaulted by a massage therapist in Virginia?
As a massage service customer, you have the right to receive fully professional services. When a massage therapist violates your trust through inappropriate touching or lewd conduct, he is guilty of sexual abuse.
Unfortunately, thousands of people across the country have been sexually assaulted by massage therapists, and many of these cases have happened in Virginia.
Offending massage therapists and their employers must be held legally accountable for these actions–they cannot be allowed to violate the rights of unsuspecting clients.
When these massage businesses are run by large corporations in other locations, they may try to shield themselves from liability by claiming that their affiliated offices are independently owned and operated. But if you’ve been sexually violated by a massage therapist, you have every right to seek compensation from the therapist, the local franchise owner, and the company whose name is on the sign.
At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we know how to prosecute sex offenders. And we’re not afraid to take on big corporations and their high-priced attorneys. In fact, we consider it a calling to help you get the compensation you need to put your life back together after you’ve been harmed by others.
Both of our partners, Ken Gibson and John Singleton, are highly experienced in addressing the unique challenges of sexual abuse cases. Ken Gibson’s background includes extensive experience in prosecuting sexual crimes for both the United States and Virginia governments, including sexual assault cases. John Singleton has worked for large insurance companies, and on many sexual abuse and sexual assault cases during his career. Together, Ken and John will put their specialized expertise to work for you.
We understand that pursuing a sex abuse claim is difficult. When you meet with us, we will always treat you with the utmost respect and compassion. In Virginia, we can protect your identity throughout your case. Call (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a Virginia massage sexual abuse lawyer today.
What is sexual abuse during a massage?
A massage patient is in a vulnerable position. She places a great deal of trust in a therapist. That’s why massage therapists must consult with their client before the session begins to determine the type of treatment she’s comfortable with. And once the patient makes clear where and how she wishes the session to proceed, the therapist must follow the patient’s instructions.
Inappropriate touching of a sexual nature that breaches consent is a criminal act. This may include any of the following types of unwanted advances:
- Touching an area you asked the therapist not to
- Exposing parts of your body that you do not wish to have exposed
- Touching, fondling, or coming too close to your personal areas
- Continuing to engage in inappropriate conduct when asked to stop
- Committing any type of sexual act
- Asking you to engage in sexual acts
- Penetrating the patient in any way
- Forcible sexual contact
Where can sexual misconduct during massages occur?
Sexual misconduct may occur in several types of settings. The therapist is always responsible for their behavior, and their employers may also be liable if they failed to take reasonable steps to protect you. That means fully screening employees and constantly monitoring their behavior.
Business establishments that may share liability for inappropriate sexual behavior include:
- Spas
- Private massage offices
- Cruise ships
- A gym or health club
- Hotels or resorts
- Chiropractic offices
- Physical therapy offices
- Massage therapy chains
- Alternative therapy providers
- Private homes
Who is liable for the harm you suffered in a massage sexual abuse case?
It is the business owner’s responsibility to investigate employees before hiring them to make sure they don’t have a history of sexual misconduct. Employers must also make sure their therapists are maintaining the highest ethical standards of behavior at all times.
If the massage office where an act of sexual battery occurs is a franchise that goes under the name of the larger corporation, managers, franchise owners, and the sponsoring corporation all share liability for the actions of their therapists.
Were you the victim of a sexual assault at a Virginia massage office?
If you were the victim of sexual abuse while receiving a massage, report the incident to the local police as soon as you feel up to it. When victims report an incident to the establishment where the incident occurred, the people there may try to talk you out of filing criminal charges.
To protect yourself against unscrupulous business owners, it’s essential to find an experienced Virginia sexual abuse lawyer right away. At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we have extensive experience in handling sexual abuse cases sensitively and effectively.
Our team will investigate your case and find out whose negligence is responsible for the harm you’ve endured. Then we’ll work to get you the financial compensation you need to heal, and to send a message to the parties responsible that this cannot happen to others.
Call us at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 for a confidential, free meeting where you can learn more about your options for getting justice and compensation for harm suffered from sexual assault. Rest assured that we are only paid when you are paid by the responsible parties.
Call our Eastern Virginia office today for a free consultation
at (804) 413-6777 or toll free (855) 781-6777.
It costs you nothing for our firm to represent you. We only get paid when you do. Learn more
Prevention, empathy, and diligence are hallmarks of everything we do at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys. Our community can see these ideals lived out in our work to prevent personal injuries from happening.
- Safety Education
GibsonSingleton launches “Texts=Wrecks” campaign to reduce the number of people injured or killed by distracted drivers. - Annual Coat Drive
During the fall, our team works to distribute coats to people in need in our community. - Hands-on Service
John and Ken join the Gloucester Point Rotary Club in cleaning up the community. - Supporting Local Schools
The Gibson family participates in Gloucester’s Botetourt Elementary Shuffle fundraiser.