Spa, Fitness & Therapy Abuse

Self-Care Facilities & Exploitation by Employees

Individuals visit self-care facilities, such as fitness centers, spas, and physical therapy clinics, with the goal of enhancing their health, wellness, and overall well-being. During their time at these facilities, they frequently interact with trainers, therapists, and other self-care professionals. These employees are expected to maintain a high level of professionalism and must not, under any circumstances, misuse the trust placed in them due to their positions. Unfortunately, there have been reports of employees at these facilities engaging in sexually inappropriate behavior and exploiting their clients.

Victims of sexual abuse in self-care facilities often share a common vulnerability compared to the abuser. Clients may find themselves in close physical contact with staff, injured or immobile, or wearing minimal clothing during treatments. This vulnerability stems from the trust these individuals place in the facility’s employees.

Professionals Abusing Their Authority

Sexual abuse at self-care facilities can occur as a single incident or as repeated violations throughout a course of treatment. The misconduct can range from actions classified as sexual harassment—such as sharing inappropriate images or videos, making sexually suggestive gestures, or telling sexually explicit jokes—to more blatant forms of sexual abuse, including unwanted touching, rubbing, or penetration. Both sexual harassment and explicit sexual abuse can have profound, long-lasting effects on a victim's life.