San Antonio Massage Sexual Abuse Lawyer
The San Antonio massage sexual abuse lawyer team at Janicek Law understands the trauma that comes from being sexually assaulted or receiving sexual advances during a massage session. Experienced attorney Beth Janicek is Texas personal injury board-certified, and the law firm brings 30 years of experience to every sexual assault case they represent.
If something feels wrong or if you felt uncomfortable with your massage therapist, you may have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment. A San Antonio massage sexual assault lawyer can help you pursue justice and compensation.
Our legal professionals offer confidential, free consultations and handle sexual assault lawsuits on a contingency fee basis. This means victims don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation. Call 210-366-4949 or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Texas Spa Sexual Assault Settlements
What is Considered Sexual Misconduct by Massage Therapists in Texas?
In massage therapy and spa settings, sexual misconduct generally refers to any inappropriate comments or behavior that violates professional boundaries.
Inappropriate Comments By Massage Therapists
Inappropriate comments during massage therapy can include a massage therapist:
- making suggestive comments or comments that blur the professional line
- referencing their own or asking about the client’s sexual preferences or experiences
- suggesting “additional services” outside of the professional scope
- violating clear boundaries, like requesting contact outside of the professional relationship or making comments that make clients feel uncomfortable about nudity
- asking clients to remove more clothing than necessary
- making inappropriate jokes
If you’ve had an experience that feels wrong, or if a massage therapist made you feel uncomfortable, violated, or unsafe, report the incident to the TDLR. Then contact a San Antonio massage therapist sexual abuse lawyer to help you take legal action to seek justice and financial compensation.
Inappropriate Touching During Massage Therapy
Inappropriate touching by a massage therapist in Texas can include:
- contact with genitals, breasts, or buttocks without medical necessity,
- touching intimate areas without draping or consent,
- attempted or actual sexual, digital, or object penetration, and
- touching done for sexual gratification.
Inappropriate draping and exposure from massage parlors can include:
- removing draping from intimate areas without consent,
- exposing body parts unnecessarily, or
- touching areas that should remain covered.
Non-consensual contact at a massage parlor can include:
- continuing treatment after a client asks to stop,
- ignoring clear boundaries or areas that the client refused,
- proceeding without informed consent, and
- disregarding signs of discomfort or distress.
Inappropriate Pressure and Technique
This includes using massage therapy as a pretext for sexual contact, applying pressure that simulates sexual activity, or using techniques not professionally recognized. It also covers touch with no therapeutic purpose, excessive focus on sensitive areas, or unnecessary skin-to-skin contact. This further includes using body parts other than hands, forearms, or elbows, positioning too closely or against the client, touching while the client is changing or undressing, and any physical contact occurring outside the treatment room.
If you’ve experienced sexual abuse or inappropriate touching by a massage therapist in Bexar County, contact a San Antonio massage sexual abuse lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Inappropriate Behavior During Massage Sessions in San Antonio
Inappropriate visual conduct: includes staring at a client’s intimate areas, taking photos or videos without consent, or watching clients undress.
Substance and intoxication issues: arise when therapists work under the influence, offer illegal substances, or let intoxication affect their behavior toward clients inside or outside of treatment.
Examples of coercive behaviors and confidentiality violations include refusing to stop treatment until payment is made, implying sexual services as payment, or bartering inappropriate services. Other violations are HIPAA violations, threatening or retaliating against victims who report misconduct, allowing unauthorized people into treatment areas, and altering records to cover up improper actions.
Sexual Harassment in Massage Therapy Settings
In Texas, massage therapist sexual harassment includes inappropriate texts, emails, social media messages, or calls, as well as any contact outside a professional scope. Sexual harassment also covers extending sessions without consent and manipulating scheduling to isolate or take advantage of clients.
Areas Requiring Special Consent and Protocols By Massage Therapists in Texas
Under Texas massage therapy laws, the following require special consent or protocols:
- gluteal muscles and inner thighs,
- upper thigh and hip flexor areas,
- area near breast tissue,
- abdominal areas, and
- areas near reproductive organs.
Bexar County Massage Therapist Sexual Misconduct Cases
Licensed Massage Therapist Sexual Assault Claims
When a licensed massage therapist commits sexual assault, victims may pursue a civil lawsuit not only against the individual but also against their employer. Texas massage parlors may be held responsible for negligent hiring, supervision, or failure to protect clients. Our San Antonio massage sexual abuse lawyer team provides skilled legal assistance for many victims. We use licensing violations as evidence of negligence. This strengthens victims’ cases for recovery throughout the legal process.
Unlicensed Massage Parlor Sexual Abuse Cases
Civil liability in unlicensed massage parlors often extends beyond individual perpetrators to the business operators and property owners. A San Antonio massage sexual assault lawyer handles the legal process by proving operators knowingly allowed unlicensed and unsafe practices. If landlords lease spaces to clearly unlicensed or suspicious operations, we’ll file civil claims against them as well to seek justice and maximum compensation.
Unlike licensed settings, our attorneys may need physical evidence of the massage parlor’s illegal operation, prior complaints, or emergency closure orders to establish liability.
Spa and Wellness Center Sexual Misconduct
Sexual misconduct can occur at any establishment. Unfortunately, upscale spas and wellness centers throughout San Antonio create a false sense of security. Especially if the franchise is nationally known for being a reputable establishment. When sexual abuse occurs, it creates unique liability issues for corporate owners who failed to implement safeguards.
Hotel and Resort Spa Sexual Abuse
Clients have heightened expectations at hotels and resort spas. This is especially true for reputable establishments like Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort and Spa, Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, and JW Marriott.
Hotels and spas typically contract third-party spa management or employ independent massage therapists. Many victims are unsure how to report sexual abuse in hospitality settings.
This also creates complex liability issues when unconsensual sexual acts occur. Multiple entities may share responsibility for hiring, training, and supervising massage therapists.
If you were sexually assaulted at a hotel or resort in Bexar County. Our massage therapist sexual assault attorneys have extensive experience providing legal assistance and help for hotel injury claims in San Antonio. Our San Antonio massage sexual assault lawyer team guides victims through the legal process of determining whether the establishment failed to vet contractors, conduct background checks, or provide proper supervision. We hold all at-fault parties responsible for recovering maximum compensation on behalf of victims.
Bexar County Massage Therapy Sexual Assault In The Medical Center Area
The South Texas Medical Center area is home to major healthcare institutions like UT Health San Antonio, University Hospital, Methodist Hospital, and Baptist Medical Center.
These establishments often market themselves as medical or therapeutic facilities to capitalize on their proximity to respected healthcare institutions, but may lack the stringent oversight and professional standards required in medical settings. When sexual abuse occurs at massage parlors near major medical centers, many victims are unsure where to report the incident.
Medical center area massage therapists often treat vulnerable populations. This includes patients recovering from surgery or with chronic pain conditions. This makes unsolicited sexual acts particularly egregious. If you’ve been sexually assaulted at a Medical Center location, we can help you navigate the legal system to seek justice. Our San Antonio massage sexual assault attorneys can help you preserve evidence and seek compensation for medical bills and emotional support costs. We’ll seek punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence.
Corporate Chain Massage Establishment Claims
The following Texas franchises have been tied to legal action or allegations:
- Massage Envy
- Massage Heights
When sexual misconduct occurs in a corporate chain, liability can extend to the franchise and the parent company, depending on the circumstances. Our San Antonio massage sexual abuse lawyers can argue negligent hiring, supervision, or failure to enforce safety policies across locations. Texas courts use a right of control test to determine whether the parent company is responsible for the actions of its staff.
Bexar County Massage Spas That are High-Risk, Have Prior Legal Action, or Previous Complaints of Inappropriate Behavior
Massage Heights
In 2018, a civil lawsuit was filed against Massage Heights in Leon Springs after a client alleged she was sexually abused by massage therapist Arturo “Art” Chamberlain during a 2016 session. The lawsuit claimed the therapist touched the client’s breasts, stomach, and hips, and moved his hands toward her pubic area without consent. The report indicates the Bexar County massage therapist had prior disciplinary history for inappropriate sexual conduct. Chamberlain was terminated after the victim reported the incident.
Massage parlors have a duty to ensure that any inappropriate behavior doesn’t occur. Here are the allegations against Massage Heights and the massage therapist:
- In 2012, Chamberlain was charged with sexually harassing a minor.
- In August 2014, the Texas Massage Therapy Board disciplined Chamberlain after a client reported inappropriate sexual contact.
- On July 12, 2016, a client alleged sexual abuse at Massage Heights during a “birthday massage”. Chamberlain was criminally charged.
- On July 13, 2016, another client accused Chamberlain of sexual assault.
Massage Envy
Bexar County has numerous Massage Envy franchise locations:
- Massage Envy Blanco Pointe
- Massage Envy Westover Marketplace
- Massage Envy Bandera Oaks
- Massage Envy Alamo Ranch
- Massage Envy Alamo Heights
- Massage Envy WestPointe Village
- Massage Envy Schertz
Massage Envy has been sued by many victims nationwide, alleging sexual assault by therapists.
A Houston Massage Envy franchise paid its full policy limits to settle claims with two victims. The allegations against Massage Envy included inappropriate touching, failure of draping, and digital penetration (inserting fingers or digits).
Another Texas Massage Envy client in Austin Circle C alleged a therapist groped and touched her non-consensually. She claims the owner failed to properly vet and supervise the therapist.
Another lawsuit against Massage Envy in Clear Lake was filed by a massage therapist against a male co-worker. The alleged sexual assault involved groping the genitals.
A national investigation by ABC News revealed that Massage Envy has over 180 sexual assault allegations. This points to systemic negligence. If you’ve experienced sexual abuse at Massage Envy in Bexar County, contact local law enforcement, then consult a San Antonio massage therapist sexual abuse lawyer from our law firm for a free and confidential consultation.
Sweetness Spa / QQ Spa / Wang's Spa
This San Antonio massage parlor has operated under multiple names. In April 2025, the TDLR issued an emergency order shutting the establishment down for six months. The order cited serious concerns about human trafficking, unlicensed massage therapists, sexual services, and improper business practices. Investigators reported finding lingerie, surveillance cameras positioned to monitor customers, and evidence of individuals living on the premises.
News 4 San Antonio reported that this was the first time TDLR used its new authority under House Bill 3579. This bill allows regulators to close establishments if there is evidence suggesting human trafficking.
The sexual assault case illustrates how massage parlors with repeated name changes may attempt to evade oversight.
If you were sexually assaulted at Sweetness Spa, seek medical attention and contact a San Antonio massage sexual abuse lawyer from our law firm to discuss your legal options for recovery.
Pings Best Foot Massage, LLC
Pings Best Foot Massage operated at multiple San Antonio locations: Loop 410, Huebner Road, and Nacogdoches Road. In February 2025, TDLR issued an emergency closure order against all three locations for the following massage therapy violations in Texas:
- unlicensed massage therapists,
- advertisements promoting sexual services, and
- condoms, lingerie, and residential bedding inside the massage parlor (evidence raising concerns about potential sex trafficking).
If you experienced sexual abuse at Pings Best Foot Massage, seek medical attention and contact a San Antonio massage therapist sexual abuse attorney from our law firm for a free and confidential consultation.
San Massage Spa: Castle Hills
In July 2024, the TDLR issued an emergency closure order against San Massage Spa, located on Jackson Keller Road in Castle Hills, for unlicensed massage therapists, inadequate client intake documentation, and lingerie and sexual paraphernalia at the massage parlor.
If you were sexually abused at San Massage Spa in Castle Hills, contact a San Antonio sexual abuse lawyer for a free consultation.
Taichi Wellness Spa
In February 2025, a massage therapist at Taichi Wellness Spa in the Redland Trails area was arrested after a client accused him of sexual abuse during a massage session. The sexual abuse victim told police that the massage therapist sexually assaulted her while she was on the table. DNA evidence collected from the victim reportedly matched the suspect. This led to his arrest.
This sexual abuse case differs from other shutdowns because it involves a direct criminal case against an individual massage therapist, not an emergency closure of the massage parlor itself.
Immediate Steps to Take If You Experienced Sexual Assault During a Massage in Bexar County
Treatments are meant to be a relaxing experience. However, if you experienced sexual abuse during a massage therapy session, the following can help preserve evidence and your legal rights, should you choose to pursue justice through a civil sexual assault case.
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
- Report the sexual assault to local law enforcement. You can contact the San Antonio Police Department or the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office to file a police report. You can request a victim advocate or a San Antonio civil sexual assault lawyer to be with you during interviews.
- Seek medical attention and get a medical examination immediately. University Hospital in San Antonio has sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) trained to collect physical evidence. Try not to shower, change clothes, or wash the area until physical evidence is collected.
- File a complaint with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). This is a separate legal process from establishing a police report.
- For confidential support, contact a trusted friend, the Rape Crisis Center of San Antonio, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN hotline online or by phone).
How a San Antonio Massage Sexual Assault Attorney From Our Law Firm Can Help
A San Antonio massage therapist sexual assault attorney can guide victims through every step of the legal process for filing civil claims. Our experienced attorneys identify all responsible parties, including massage therapists, spas, and property owners. We know the signs of sexual abuse in children and adults and understand how trauma leads to severe effects, like sexual anorexia.
We build strong sexual assault cases, seeking compensation for trauma, medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Our San Antonio civil liability law firm has extensive experience with:
- Bexar County massage therapist sexual misconduct,
- doctor sexual abuse in Bexar County,
- mental health professional sexual abuse in Bexar County,
- sexual abuse claims against religious institutions in Bexar County,
- covert incest and sexual abuse,
- and more.
By seeking justice, we help survivors protect their legal rights and rebuild their lives.
Texas Statute of Limitations for Massage Therapist Sexual Abuse
The Texas sexual abuse statute of limitations is generally two years from the date adults were sexually assaulted at a massage parlor. Texas law provides exceptions for minors who have experienced sexual abuse.
If you’ve been sexually assaulted at a massage parlor in Texas, seek immediate medical attention. The medical examination is used to preserve evidence. Then, contact local law enforcement and our lawyers to prevent evidence spoliation.
Civil cases can proceed regardless of criminal cases. We offer free and confidential consultations and can work towards confidential settlements to protect your identity.
Legal Options for Massage Therapist Sexual Abuse Victims in Texas
Massage therapist sexual abuse victims have legal options for both criminal and civil cases in Texas:
- Civil Lawsuits Against the Massage Therapist: Victims may bring a personal injury lawsuit in civil courts directly against the massage therapist for sexual assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. We seek compensation for trauma and medical bills using mental health records and other evidence against the defendant.
- Claims Against Employers or Franchises: Spas, chains, or wellness centers may be liable in civil sexual assault cases if they failed to conduct background checks, ignored red flags, or did not enforce safety policies.
- Premises Liability Claims: Massage parlors can be held responsible if unsafe conditions, lack of oversight, or inadequate security allowed sexual misconduct to occur.
- Vicarious Liability: If sexual assault occurs within the scope of the massage therapist’s employment, the employer may be held liable.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or egregious conduct, our Bexar County massage sexual assault lawyer team seeks punitive damages.
Contact a San Antonio Massage Sexual Assault Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you experienced sexual advances or outright sexual abuse in a massage parlor or wellness spa, a San Antonio massage therapist sexual abuse lawyer from our legal team can help you recover compensation for the trauma you’ve suffered. We provide free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. Call 210-366-4949 or use our contact form to discuss your case.
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