What to Do If You Were Sexually Assaulted at a Spa

Compassionate Attorneys Helping Survivors in NC and TN Pursue the Justice They Deserve

Sexual assault in a spa or wellness setting can leave survivors shocked, confused, and unsure of what to do next. The space was supposed to be safe, professional, and restorative. When that trust is broken, it is normal to question your own memory or blame yourself. None of it was your fault. You have legal rights and options.

Attorney Mary Frances Parker and The Parker Firm represent survivors of sexual abuse and assault in spa and massage settings across North Carolina and Tennessee. As a North Carolina Sexual Assault Lawyer with nearly two decades of trial experience, Ms. Parker helps survivors take back control through civil legal action, advocacy, and trauma-informed support.

Step One: Get Medical Care and Protect Your Health

Even if you are unsure about pressing charges or filing a lawsuit, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. A doctor or nurse can check for injuries, collect physical evidence, and provide testing for infections. If you choose to file a report later, this documentation can become important evidence.

If the assault occurred recently, request a sexual assault forensic exam, often called a “rape kit.” You may also want to contact a victim advocate who can guide you through the process and help arrange transportation, medical attention, or counseling.

Your health and safety come first. Taking care of yourself medically is not only essential for recovery but also strengthens your ability to make clear decisions later.

Step Two: Document and Preserve Evidence

Evidence can fade quickly in spa-related assault cases. If possible, write down everything you remember, including the therapist’s name, the time and date of your appointment, and what was said or done before and after the incident. Keep receipts, text messages, appointment confirmations, and any communications with the spa.

If the assault occurred at a larger chain such as Massage Envy or Hand & Stone, request the names of anyone you interacted with, including managers. Surveillance footage, entry logs, and prior complaint records may exist, and a Tennessee Sexual Assault Attorney can issue preservation requests to prevent that evidence from being deleted.

Avoid speaking with the spa’s insurance company or signing any paperwork before consulting a lawyer. Companies may try to settle quietly to avoid bad publicity, often for far less than your claim is worth.

Step Three: Report the Assault

You have the right to report what happened to law enforcement. You can also report the therapist to the state licensing board that oversees massage or spa professionals. These agencies have the authority to investigate misconduct and revoke licenses when warranted.

Reporting may feel overwhelming, especially if staff try to discourage you or insist that “nothing happened.” A North Carolina Sexual Abuse Lawyer can guide you through the reporting process while protecting your privacy and explaining your options for pursuing a civil case at the same time.

Step Four: Understand Civil Legal Remedies

Many survivors do not realize that they can file a civil lawsuit in addition to or instead of a criminal complaint. A civil case focuses on the survivor’s recovery rather than punishment. It allows you to seek compensation for therapy, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional harm.

Civil claims can also expose negligence by the spa or wellness center, including:

• Hiring unlicensed or untrained workers
• Failing to supervise employees
• Ignoring previous complaints
• Pressuring victims to stay silent

Attorney Mary Frances Parker investigates these failures through records, depositions, and expert testimony. As a Tennessee Child Sexual Abuse Attorney, she also represents minors and families in cases involving underage victims at spas or wellness centers.

Step Five: Seek Emotional and Legal Support

The aftermath of sexual assault is isolating, but support is available. Counselors, advocates, and survivor organizations can provide emotional care while you decide what steps to take next. An experienced attorney can handle communication with the spa, insurers, and opposing counsel so you can focus on healing.

Survivors who contact The Parker Firm work directly with Ms. Parker, not an intake team or junior associate. Her approach is grounded in listening and understanding before taking action. Every case is built around the client’s goals—whether that means pursuing damages, forcing policy changes, or both.

How The Parker Firm Helps

The Parker Firm is a minority-owned practice focused on survivor rights and trauma-informed representation. The firm has recovered over $15 million in verdicts and settlements for clients in sexual assault, sexual battery, and human trafficking cases.

Ms. Parker’s experience as a trial lawyer means she understands how to navigate sensitive testimony and hold corporations accountable for negligence. Her civil litigation background and record-setting results in North Carolina and Tennessee make her a trusted advocate for survivors seeking both justice and closure.

Speak with a Spa Sexual Assault Attorney Today

You do not have to go through this alone. Whether the assault happened at a local spa, a wellness retreat, or a national chain, you have the right to pursue justice. Evidence fades quickly, and early action can make a difference.

Reach out to The Parker Firm to speak with a North Carolina Sexual Assault Lawyer or Tennessee Sexual Assault Attorney who can protect your rights and guide you through every step of the process. Call (615) 485-1584 to schedule your confidential consultation today.