What happened: Last week, four massage parlors in the Detroit area were raided in connection with a human trafficking ring. 7-9 women were being trafficked. Massage therapy was the front for the business. Why it matters: Beyond the horror of sex slavery, the existence of these places makes the work of legal, licensed massage therapists like me more complicated and dangerous. As an in-home massage therapist, I do my best to screen my clients before going to work on them in their homes.
I am fortunate that everyone I have worked with in this mobile massage business has so far has been absolutely wonderful (shout out to my lovely clients!) but I also block inappropriate online solicitation regularly, and it's always unpleasant. There are also people who mistakenly believe that sexual contact or massage of erogenous areas are a normal part of massage. This isn't massage; it's sex work and it is illegal here in Michigan.
As a massage therapist, I have had at least a dozen people, both men and women, tell me their experiences of going into a massage business and being sexually assaulted because the workers assumed they knew they were in a brothel. My heart goes out to you if you've had this experience. If you have experienced this, please report the business to both the police and LARA (the licensing and regulatory affairs office of your state). I trust that you, dear reader, are not the sort of person that would financially support the exploitation of vulnerable people. You're here because you respect massage as an industry, you respect massage therapists, and you're looking for an appropriate legitimate massage.
So here's your quick and easy guide to getting a massage and ONLY a massage: 1. Pay attention to language. "Masseuse" and "Massage parlor" are terms tied to sex work. We are more appropriately called massage therapists, and we work at spas, massage clinics, and many other places. 2. Massage cost. If the cost of the massage is much higher or lower than the market rate, that is a red flag for the business being a front for sex work. The market rate in my area is in the neighborhood of $90-$140/ hour. 3. Hours of operation. Massage places that are open 24 hours or overnight are also more likely to be fronts for illegal business.
4.Licensing. All massage therapists should be licensed. You should be able to look them up on LARA. If they're at a brick and mortar business, their license should be displayed where you can easily find it. They should be able to provide you with a copy of their license upon request. Licensing is both for their safety and yours.
5.Language. In order to become a licensed massage therapist in the United States, one must past the MBLeX (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam). This exam is only offered in English. If your massage therapist has very little or no English, this is not only a safety concern for you to be able to communicate with them during the massage, but it means they are very likely unlicensed and quite possibly trafficking victims.
If you suspect you have gotten a massage from a trafficking victim, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 888-373-7888
While English language ability is important, it should also be noted that there are many wonderful foreign born massage therapists working here. I attended school with people from several different countries who had been practicing massage therapists in their home countries and were working hard to become licensed professionals here in the United States. Having traded with massage sessions with several of them, I can attest to their incredible ability, knowledge, and professionalism. It is important to avoid massage businesses that are exploiting people, and it is also very important not to assume that foreign born massage therapists are sex workers. Just keep the above points in mind when choosing where to book your next massage, and have a wonderful session. If you would like that session to be in your home and on your time, please consider booking with me here.
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