Sexual Assault at Spas and Wellness Centers

Highly Respected Sex Abuse Lawyer Serving Clients in North
Carolina and Tennessee

Spas and wellness centers are meant to be places of safety, comfort, and trust. Unfortunately, for too many people, these same settings become the site of sexual abuse and assault. When a massage therapist, spa employee, or independent contractor violates that trust, both the individual and the business may be held legally responsible.

At The Parker Firm, attorney Mary Frances Parker represents survivors of sexual assault and abuse in spa, massage, and wellness environments across North Carolina and Tennessee. With nearly two decades of experience and more than $15 million recovered for survivors, she provides the compassion, discretion, and trial experience these cases demand.

Spa Sexual Assault Is More Common Than Most People Realize

While many spas take guest safety seriously, others cut corners in hiring, training, or
supervision. Background checks are skipped. Complaints go unreported. In some cases,
managers protect employees instead of guests.

National data and media investigations have shown repeated instances of abuse involving
major spa chains such as Massage Envy and Hand & Stone Massage. Hundreds of civil claims
have been filed nationwide, and survivors continue to come forward each year. These cases
show that sexual assault in spa settings is not rare—it is underreported.
When you are touched without consent during a massage or spa service, it is sexual assault.
The setting or intention of the business does not change that fact. Whether the offender was a
licensed therapist, student intern, or independent practitioner, you have the right to take legal
action.

Civil Lawsuits for Sexual Assault in Spa Settings

A civil lawsuit allows you to hold the wrongdoer and the business accountable. Many survivors
assume that only criminal prosecution can lead to justice, but that is not true. A civil case can
provide financial recovery, public acknowledgment, and lasting policy change.
Depending on the facts, you may have several types of claims, including:

• Negligent hiring or supervision if the spa failed to vet or monitor staff
• Negligent security if the spa lacked adequate procedures to prevent or stop abuse
• Premises liability if unsafe conditions made the assault possible
• Intentional torts, such as battery, assault, or intentional infliction of emotional distress

These lawsuits may result in compensation for medical expenses, therapy, lost income, and
emotional suffering. They also send a message to negligent businesses that ignoring safety
complaints has serious consequences.
If the spa pressured you not to report the incident, tried to settle privately, or threatened you with
legal action, those facts can strengthen your case. Speaking with an attorney helps preserve
evidence and ensure your rights are protected.

Common Warning Signs of Unsafe Spas

Recognizing red flags before scheduling services can be difficult, but some warning signs
indicate a higher risk of misconduct. These include:

• Refusal to provide therapist licensing information
• A pattern of switching staff to avoid accountability
• Ignored or downplayed guest complaints
• Lack of clear boundaries during treatments
• Inconsistent privacy policies or unsecured treatment areas

If you experienced discomfort, inappropriate touching, or suggestive behavior during a spa visit,
you are not overreacting. Your reaction is valid, and legal options may be available.
The Parker Firm also publishes guidance on warning signs of unsafe spas, what to do after a
sexual assault, and how to file a civil lawsuit against a negligent business. Each page is
designed to help survivors understand their rights and next steps.

Holding Major Spa Chains Accountable

Many survivors assume they cannot sue a national franchise, but that is not true. Franchised
spas like Massage Envy, Hand & Stone Massage, Massage Heights, and Elements Massage
may be held liable when they fail to enforce safety policies, ignore complaints, or protect serial
offenders.

Attorney Mary Frances Parker has the trial experience to handle cases involving corporate
defendants and multi-location businesses. She works to uncover company-wide practices that
enable abuse, from poor recordkeeping to failure to remove known offenders.
These cases are not just about individual misconduct—they often expose systemic negligence
across an entire brand. When corporations ignore patterns of abuse, civil lawsuits are one of the
most powerful tools survivors have to bring change.

Why Survivors Choose the Parker Firm

Survivors of sexual assault in spa or wellness settings need more than legal skill—they need
trust, privacy, and understanding. Mary Frances Parker is known for providing direct, personal
representation. Every client works with her from the first consultation through resolution.
As a minority-owned law firm, The Parker Firm is built on respect and inclusion. Mrs. Parker’s
trauma-informed approach ensures survivors are heard and supported, not retraumatized by the
legal process. Her experience handling sexual assault, human trafficking, and institutional
negligence claims gives clients the confidence of a trial lawyer who has fought and won similar
cases.

Speak with a Spa Sexual Assault Lawyer in Charlotte or Nashville

You do not have to face this alone. Whether the assault occurred at a local spa, a national
chain, or a luxury resort, you have rights. The sooner you contact an attorney, the more
effectively evidence can be preserved and witnesses identified.
Attorney Mary Frances Parker and The Parker Firm offer confidential consultations to survivors
of sexual abuse in spas, massage centers, and wellness facilities. You can discuss your
experience privately, learn your legal options, and begin the process of reclaiming control.
Call (615) 485-1584 to schedule your confidential consultation today.