There is nothing like a good massage at a spa where you feel safe. Turns out some massage therapists are dangerous.
Over the years our law firm has represented a number of women who were sexually assaulted during a massage, so we have noticed a pattern. From what our clients have told us, and the evidence in our lawsuits, we have the following advice.
Before you go, check the therapist’s credentials.
- Look for reviews online, and study them carefully. Check especially for negative reviews. Often they don’t indicate anything, but sometimes they do.
- Check several places online. Check Yelp, Reddit, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. There may be more. So, do a Google search also.
- Check the company’s hiring policies and its background search policies. If the company is not willing to give you this information, go elsewhere.
- Don’t assume because it’s not a chain you will be safer! We have represented women who were assaulted in chain massage therapy businesses and in smaller family-owned spas. Predators go where the patients are.
Tell someone where you are going.
This is good advice in general, but especially important when you are about to lie naked under a sheet in the presence of a stranger.
Check the exits.
Once you get to a new facility, or even one familiar to you, check your surroundings. Plan ahead for how you will escape a bad situation, fighting, kicking and screaming if you need to.
Read the rest of our tips: HOW TO AVOID A #METOO EXPERIENCE WITH A MASSAGE THERAPIST
Leto Copeley serves on the advisory board of the National Crime Victim Bar Association. This is a non-profit organization of lawyers who educate the public about sexual abuse, and who share information and resources with each other so that all sexual abuse lawyers can get better at fighting for our clients.