People turn to yoga for physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness, but there is a dark side to the industry. Several prominent gurus and yoga teachers have faced credible accusations of sexual misconduct.
Phillips Law Group represents people who have survived sexual abuse in yoga studios across the country. Please get in touch with us if you are seeking accountability and are ready to tell your story.
Why Is Sexual Abuse So Prevalent in Yoga?
Students of yoga are often seeking physical and emotional healing through the practice. They may also be looking for a sense of spiritual connectedness, and a student may feel that a teacher has the means for them to reach the desired state of consciousness. These motives can foster a power imbalance between instructors and students and erode a student’s normal boundaries.
The physical nature of yoga practice also provides opportunities for sexual predators. Many students report inappropriate contact during adjustments, or an unwanted focus on sexual organs or vulnerable postures during private classes and consultations.
Sexual abuse is a crime in every state, but many people who have been exploited in this way are reluctant to come forward. A civil lawsuit seeking financial compensation can be a less daunting option if the survivor is ready to pursue justice. The attorneys at Phillips Law Group have extensive experience successfully representing people who suffered sexual abuse because of the negligence of various organizations and institutions, including yoga studios and training centers.
Bringing a Civil Sexual Abuse Claim
Sexual abuse by a yoga teacher is a violent betrayal that can have a devastating impact on a survivor’s mental and physical health. It can cause disruptions to a survivor’s education and career and impact their personal relationships. A civil lawsuit is a way for a survivor to obtain acknowledgment of the harm done, as well as financial compensation for their economic losses, and mental and physical suffering.
A survivor can bring a civil lawsuit even if they never reported the abuse to the police or if they made a report, but it did not lead to a conviction for a crime. However, a lawyer must have evidence indicating that it is more likely than not that sexual abuse occurred in the yoga studio or as part of the yoga teacher/student relationship.
Time Limits on Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
Anyone who has been sexually abused as an adult must be mindful of legal timeframes called statutes of limitation. In some states, the same statute of limitations that applies to personal injury lawsuits governs civil claims for sexual abuse. The time limit to file a lawsuit may be as short as one year after the incident.
However, there has been increasing recognition in states around the nation that a short time limit is unfair to survivors and allows perpetrators to escape accountability. It often takes considerable time for a survivor to process what happened and be ready to share their story.
Many states have extended the statute of limitations for a civil claim seeking damages for sexual abuse or even eliminated the statute of limitations for these claims entirely. Some states have opened windows allowing survivors to pursue previously time-barred claims. The attorneys at Phillips Law Group could review an individual’s case and explain whether a civil sexual abuse claim is still viable.
Contact Phillips Law Group About Yoga Studio Sexual Abuse
If you suffered sexual abuse in a yoga studio, you may have opportunities for legal recourse. Reach out to Phillips Law Group to schedule a free consultation with a team member handling sexual abuse cases. We accept clients from all around the country and handle these matters efficiently, effectively, and with respect and compassion.
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