In December of 2017, we declared victory when Massage Envy announced a comprehensive and transparent plan to address sexual assault.  As part of the plan, they formed the Massage Envy Safety Advisory Council, on which I agreed to serve.  Since you played a pivotal role in bringing about this change, I wanted to let you know what’s been going on since that time. 

The Safety Advisory Committee has been busy and active!  We kicked off with an in-person meeting at Massage Envy headquarters in January.  In addition to myself, the Committee consists of Massage Envy leadership; a Vice President from RAINN, the nation’s largest organization devoted to preventing sexual assault and supporting victims; the National President of the American Massage Therapy Association; the Executive Director of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards; a Law Enforcement Consultant who specializes in sexual assault; and a multi-location franchisee owner.  Massage Envy’s CEO spent the entire day with us at our kick-off meeting.  The committee is reviewing policies and working on implementing new and improved procedures across the areas of preventing assaults, supporting individuals who report being assaulted, and handling of investigations. 

RAINN is doing a comprehensive review of the company’s policies, to include visiting a number of franchises.  Because of its scope and depth, the review has taken months to complete, and should be ready very soon.

The committee holds monthly conference calls, and more frequent subgroup calls, as we work through ideas for improving prevention, reporting, victim support, and investigation. 

In April, Massage Envy held its national convention for all its franchisees.  The entire first day was devoted to safety training surrounding sexual assault, with workshops and programming led by RAINN and other experts in the area of sexual assault.  All franchises were required to attend. I also spoke at the convention. I spoke to the more than 2000 attendees about my experience, about my concerns with how the company handled it, and about how as owners and employees of Massage Envy, they have the power to change the narrative surrounding sexual assault. I was met with an outpouring of support. 

On a more personal note, it has been a moving experience to work with the company and to get to know its leadership. When I flew out to Massage Envy headquarters I was greeted warmly by their CEO, senior leadership, and staff, with kind words and thanks for speaking out about my assault.  The overwhelming support that I received when I spoke at their national convention was one of the more powerful experiences of my life. I believe the company and its leadership are genuine in their efforts to create best practices for how the massage industry should handle sexual assaults. I believe it not just because they say it, but because their actions support it.

It has been a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together.  You can read more about the journey here.

Thank you again for making it all happen!

 Danielle