You came to a wellness space to feel safe. What happened was anything but. When a trusted wellness experience becomes something far more painful, the impact is both immediate and long-lasting. You deserve more than uncertainty. In California, survivors have expanded legal options to pursue accountability and support that honors both healing and justice. You have the right to understand what the law protects, what accountability looks like, and how to move forward without sacrificing your dignity.
What Constitutes Sexual Assault in California
Under California law, a sexual assault is any non-consensual sexual behavior or contact made with another person. The contact is made with an intimate part of another individual for the purpose of sexual gratification. Consent must be given freely without coercion, fear, pressure, or manipulation.
California’s sexual assault laws cover a wide range of conduct, recognizing that harm can occur without force or overt violence. Rape involves non-consensual sexual intercourse, while sexual battery addresses unwanted sexual touching. For individuals experiencing sexual assault, these laws apply regardless of whether the conduct occurred during a professional service intended to promote care or healing.
Civil Remedies & Lawsuits
While making a criminal report is one path to holding the perpetrator accountable, it isn’t the only path forward. Survivors of sexual assault have several civil litigation claims they could pursue. Speaking with a civil litigation attorney can explain the law and evaluate potential claims.
Assault and battery is a potential claim after a wellness center sexual assault. It is physical contact that you didn’t consent to. This type of claim focuses on the harm the touching caused.
There could be a claim against the wellness center for negligent hiring, retention, or supervision. Employers can be liable when they do not fulfill their duty to screen and oversee their staff. Perhaps they did not conduct the necessary screening to hire only qualified wellness practitioners. The wellness center could have received multiple complaints about a staff member, yet failed to take appropriate action. The center could have failed to comply with state-required training or enforce industry-standard policies.
Wellness center clients who have a successful claim against the practitioner or center can seek compensation for their damages. A lawyer can help you seek compensation to take the next step towards healing. Available damages include medical costs, counseling, pain, suffering, emotional distress, and lost income.
Victim Rights in California
When you experience non-consensual contact during a wellness session, it can be overwhelming and confusing to know what to do next. California law recognizes the importance of care, respect, and support during that process. California’s Department of Justice operates multiple resources.
There are also independent resources available that can provide support. The National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673 and its online chat are available 24/7. The California Directory of Rape Crisis Centers also has a team of trained staff who can provide support. The California Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners Association (CALSAFE) can provide information about where to get a medical exam in California.
California law ensures access to medical care, including forensic evidence collection, without requiring you to immediately file a police report. Health professionals can provide care for physical injuries, test for sexually transmitted infections, provide pregnancy prevention, and document injuries. If you choose medical attention, seek it as soon as possible to preserve evidence, even if you’re unsure about reporting.
Survivors of sexual assault can choose to contact local police or the district attorney to report the incident. This starts a criminal investigation and can lead to charges being filed. Law enforcement agencies are required to uphold your rights and treat you with dignity throughout the process. Preserve clothing, messages, and any physical items related to the incident, as they may be important later.
Seek Justice with a Sexual Assault Attorney
Wellness center sexual assault is not a misunderstanding or a boundary issue. It is a serious violation with lasting consequences, and California law treats it accordingly. Survivors deserve clear information, thoughtful guidance, and legal representation that prioritizes both justice and healing. ADZ Law has built its practice around protecting survivors’ rights while honoring their experiences with care and discretion.
Speaking with a trusted legal advocate can help you understand what accountability may look like on your terms. We invite you to contact ADZ Law to schedule a confidential consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.
