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Massage therapy offers a variety of physical and mental health benefits. But unfortunately, sexual misconduct or abuse has been reported during massage therapy sessions.

Many individuals may feel unsure if certain behaviors are part of the process or may be too shocked or embarrassed to report the incident. As a result, sexual assault during massage will often go unreported, making it difficult to determine how often it occurs.

Recent Cases of Sexual Assault During Massage Therapy

There have been several cases recently in the news:

What is Considered Sexual Misconduct from a Masseuse?

Sexual assault is any behavior that is explicitly sexual in nature or crosses professional boundaries. This may include inappropriate touching, suggestive comments, or sexual advances.

Inappropriate sexual conduct may include:

  • Not asking which areas you want focused on or which areas you want avoided before beginning the massage
  • Encouraging you to be naked during the session
  • Staying in the room while you are undressing or dressing
  • Touching the breast without a good reason, prior discussion, and consent
  • Touching the genital region
  • Touching the upper inner thigh without previous consent
  • Touching any part of your body with the front of their pelvis
  • Touching you in any way that feels more sexual than therapeutic
  • Holding the drape too high, leaving you exposed
  • Leaving the draping loose or using poor draping techniques
  • Attempting to convince you to consent to something you are uncomfortable with
  • Inappropriate comments about your body
  • Sexual jokes or comments
  • Offering to move the session out of the facility, such as to your home
  • Anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, even if you do not understand why you feel uncomfortable.

What Should You Do If a Massage Therapist Touches You Inappropriately?

  • Speak up immediately. While it’s natural to freeze in uncomfortable situations, do not remain silent. Tell the massage therapist to stop the behavior and clearly state your boundaries.
  • End the session. If the inappropriate behavior continues, stop the session immediately. Ask the therapist to leave the room so you can get dressed.
  • Report the incident. File an official report with the massage therapy organization before you leave. Ask to see the written report and review it for accuracy.
  • Contact law enforcement. Report the incident to the police or other law enforcement agencies after you leave the facility
  • Report to the licensing authority. Contact the licensing agency or the Department of Health in the state where the massage therapist is licensed. Submit a formal complaint in writing.
  • Seek emotional support. Consult a counselor or therapist to help process any trauma resulting from the experience.
  • Consult a legal professional. Contact an experienced sexual abuse law firm like Shrader & Associates to pursue legal action against the perpetrator and the organization.

Taking Legal Action

If you decide to pursue legal action, it’s essential to work with a law firm experienced in handling sexual assault cases.

  1. Contact a qualified law firm. Choose a firm with experience in sexual assault cases, such as Shrader and Associates.
  2. Schedule a consultation. Set up an appointment to discuss your case with an attorney.
  3. Gather any available evidence. Even if you don’t have much physical evidence, bring any relevant documents, such as police reports or mental health records related to your sex abuse claims.
  4. Meet with the attorney. You will be sharing sensitive and personal information with your attorney, it’s important to feel comfortable with them.
  5. Pursue legal action. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal system, hold the perpetrator accountable for their actions and potentially take action against the facility if they failed to conduct proper background checks on employees or address previous complaints.

How to Protect Yourself During a Massage

While it’s impossible to predict or prevent all instances of sexual misconduct, there are steps you can take to help protect yourself during a massage session:

  • Research the massage facility. Before booking a massage, read reviews for the establishment and look for any reports of inappropriate behavior. Choose a reputable location with good reviews.
  • Request a recommended therapist. If a friend or acquaintance has recommended a specific therapist, request that person by name when you schedule your appointment.
  • Consider bringing a friend. Bringing someone with you for a couple’s massage or simply having them in the room can provide additional security.
  • Communicate with the therapist before the session. A trustworthy massage therapist will take the time to answer your questions and ensure you are comfortable with what to expect during the session.
  • Set boundaries. Before the session begins, clearly state which areas you want the therapist to focus on and which areas you want them to avoid.
  • Stay comfortable. Only remove as much clothing as you feel comfortable with, and don’t allow anyone to pressure you into more than you’re willing to do.
  • Speak up if something feels wrong. If the therapist does something that makes you uncomfortable, ask them to stop and reset the boundaries.
  • Leave if necessary. If the situation becomes uncomfortable or unprofessional, it’s perfectly acceptable to end the session and leave.
  • Don’t blame yourself. Inappropriate behavior by a massage therapist is never your fault, and you should not feel responsible for their actions.

Contact Shrader & Associates for a Free Consultation

If you have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct during a massage therapy session, Shrader & Associates is here to help. Our experienced sex abuse lawyers offer compassionate and confidential legal expertise. We can help you navigate the legal process and hold the responsible individuals and facility accountable for their actions.

Contact Shrader & Associates today for your free consultation.

 

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