Watson cases show plight of massage therapists

The allegations of sexual assault by more than one female massage therapist against Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson underline the vulnerabilities of abuse for women working in the field, advocates say.

Harmful and inaccurate stereotypes about massage therapy being sex work have historically reinforced the sexualization of the profession, experts in the field say. The accusations in the Watson lawsuits allege that the football player expected and repeatedly demanded sex acts during massage therapy appointments with three women.

Sexual violence occurs in all settings, said Aly Jacobs, director of counseling and advocacy at the nonprofit Houston Area Women’s Center. But a job that requires physical touch and often takes place in one’s home can create increased challenges to safety, she added.

“Perpetrators prey on individuals who have vulnerabilities and less layers of protection,” said Jacobs.

A 2020 research article and study published in the Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality found that nearly 75 percent of surveyed massage therapists reported sexual harassment by clients. More than 26 percent said they had experienced harassment at least three times. Of those therapists, 34 percent said they had been physically sexually assaulted as well as verbally harassed.

The study determined that only one of the 143 therapists surveyed had reported their abuse to police.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which licenses massage therapists in the state, said it does not provide resources for therapists who experience abuse.

“We would refer massage therapists to local law enforcement for investigation of any such allegations,” said Tela Goodwin Mange, public information officer for the agency.

In addition to the unequal power dynamics between a massage therapist and a client, fame can throw the balance off even more, said Jacobs. When the alleged perpetrator is beloved by the community, victims’ fears about coming forward grow, she said.

“Oftentimes perpetrators are well-liked and charismatic,” said Jacobs. “That is part of their manipulation and grooming process.”

Backlash from the public after coming forward keeps many survivors from reporting their abuse, the advocate said.

“We’re seeing it now,” Jacobs said of the way the public is reacting to Watson’s accusers.

Survivors are often questioned about why they didn’t come forward sooner, why they let the perpetrator into their homes or why they didn’t do more to stop the violence, Jacobs said. Language like this hurts survivors and makes them feel like they aren’t believed, she added.

When other survivors see victims in high-profile cases aren’t believed, they question whether they should report their own abuse, said Jacobs. It also hurts people who suffered abuse in the past, re-triggering old traumas.

“It’s important for society to be compassionate to the survivors coming forward and that their stories are heard,” she said. “They all deserve support in order to heal.”

Bringing civil claims can be part of the healing process, said Jacobs, because it’s often the only outlet for survivors to feel heard.

“I think these survivors’ choices to remain anonymous (in the Watson lawsuits) really speaks to the fear they may be experiencing,” she said. “It tells me that this is a huge act of courage and these individuals are moving forward to find their voice and healing in a way that they have determined is best for them.”