The regulator and representative of massage therapists in Ontario have, for the last three years, staged open forums in 6-7 cities/year. It’s a phenomenal opportunity to speak directly with the decision-makers in our profession.
Every year I bring a question (or two) for each. This is what I asked the regulator:
The RMTAO conducted a Sexual Assault & Harassment Survey in September 2025. Reported:
Nearly ¾ of respondents reported experiencing sexual harassment during training or practice -1/2 reported 1-3 incidents while 14% reported more than 10 incidents.
While 66% of respondents discharged the perpetrator, of those that did not discharge, they viewed the perpetrator’s behaviour as ambiguous, had fear of patient pushback and concerns about not being taken seriously.
Among those not reporting the incident, respondents cited uncertainty about responding with CMTO regulations (40%) and lack of knowledge re: reporting processes.
Experiencing harassment let to practitioner changes in interactions, increased stress & anxiety, consideration to leave the profession, and a need for mental health support.
Further, 21% reported experiencing sexual assault. Barriers to reporting included uncertainty how to respond within CMTO regulations.
Most respondents (69%) reported never receiving training on how to confront sexual harassment or assault. Confidence in setting boundaries was reported as not a function of formal training, but instead learned through experience in dealing with multiple harassments.
One of the survey’s conclusions: “respondents described a culture in which harassment is normalized, support systems are inadequate, and therapists are often left to manage incidents on their own.”
And “many respondents believe the system prioritizes protecting patients over practitioners, which discourages boundary setting and reporting. This fear is compounded by unclear guidance, inconsistent support and past experiences of feeling blamed or dismissed by regulatory bodies or employers.”
My questions, 1) what will the regulator do to address concerns re: lack of career span competencies in preparing RMTs when they face predatory behaviour and 2) what will the regulator do to address respondents’ assertion of unclear guidance, inconsistent support and feeling blamed or dismissed by regulatory bodies and employers?