Sexual Assault and Massage
This post is in response to the allegations reporting over 180 sexual assault claims at a major massage chain.
Why is this happening? Why has this become such an epidemic in the massage industry? There are millions of people seeking to embrace health and wellness into their lives yet they are met with this. Due to the magnitude of these charges, there is no doubt that the massage industry will be affected. One thing is certain, the trust placed in the hands of massage therapists has been questioned. Now, more than ever it’s important that those that benefit from massage and have chosen it as a career come together to educate the public that there are committed therapists that practice with integrity.
As a practicing massage therapist I’ve heard many stories from women (and some men) about sexual assault in the massage room. My heart breaks for those that search for massage as a legitimate method to lead a healthier life only to be met with a violation of body and mind. My contribution against these threats is to assure them through the results in my own work. I remind people that there continue to be ethical professionals that treat the body with the respect it deserves.
It has never been an easy choice to be associated in a career that is tied together with sex. In fact, three years into my career I almost quit because of some inappropriate suggestions I would receive from male clients. I loved my new occupation but as a young therapist, I was disheartened. One day, a colleague directed me to undertake a neuromuscular massage course and have the opportunity to work with doctors. It was under the prospect of practicing in safety within medical offices that I continued my career and thankfully flourished. I was blessed enough to have found my niche in treating muscular injuries.
My message is to remind others that massage is not a sexual service, it is a therapeutic benefit and a wonderful self-care practice. It is meant to help others find relief from muscular pain, reduce stress levels and lead more productive lives.
I encourage you to research your therapists, many are career-driven and trustworthy. The State of Florida now requires background checks for all applicants of a massage therapy license. Each state varies, however most regulate practitioners and have licensee information as public record. The Florida Board of Massage gives you access to the massage therapist with their license number and any criminal charges against their license, check here. Seek out information on individual therapists when searching Google or Yelp, and ask family and friends for a massage therapist they have used on multiple occasions. Massage therapists that choose to assault others should not hide behind a brand or a company and be dismissed quietly. We need more accountability on each therapist, showcase the excellent ones and weed out the predators. If you have been assaulted sexually by a massage therapist seek out the local board for that state. For example ” (state name) board of massage”. These governing authorities have the ability to remove licensure from a provider after reviewing a case. In some boards you will have to call a phone number to request a complaint form and then have it signed and mailed. I understand this may be a grueling process but you may be influential in protecting the public.
