One of the biggest gaps we face as Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) is the lack of clear, ready-to-use tools when misconduct occurs in the treatment room. Too often, incidents of sexual harassment, indecent acts, or abuse go untracked and unaddressed because we don’t have visible policies or standardized procedures to protect ourselves.

To help fill this gap, I’ve created a Zero Tolerance Policy for Abuse poster that any RMT or clinic can adapt for their space.

The policy states clearly:

No sexual behaviour, comments, harassment, intimidation, or abuse of any kind will be tolerated.
If misconduct occurs, the session ends immediately, the client is not rebooked, and incidents may be reported to police or other authorities.
This is a professional health care environment where safety and respect come first.
Why this matters:
Naming these behaviours, setting visible boundaries, and putting them in writing makes them real. It helps practitioners respond in the moment with confidence, supports colleagues who may have trauma histories or uncertainty, and builds public awareness that massage therapy is not sexual in nature.

👉 You can view and edit the poster here: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGzPYeD6Y4/EqCmUvtamQI4lrkJILNZAA/edit?utm_content=DAGzPYeD6Y4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Feel free to use it in your own practice or clinic space and brand accordingly. There is both a high contrast option for ADOA compliance (and more printer-friendly), and a white on black option as well.

👉 It is also strongly recommended that practitioners update their intake forms to include a zero tolerance consent clause. Having patients acknowledge this policy in writing provides additional protection and clarity, ensuring expectations are clear from the start.

Here is an example:

"Zero Tolerance Policy Acknowledgment
This clinic maintains a zero tolerance policy for abuse, harassment, or misconduct.

I understand that:

• Sexual behaviour or comments of any kind,
• Verbal abuse, intimidation, or harassment, and
• Physical aggression, violence, or threats

will result in the immediate termination of the session, discharge from care, and, where appropriate, reporting to police or other authorities.

By signing below, I acknowledge this policy and agree to abide by it during all treatment sessions.

Client Name: ___________________________
Signature: _____________________________
Date: _______________"

Resources like this highlight the importance of having clear, standardized, trauma-informed tools available to all RMTs. Until that happens, we will continue to share and develop what’s needed to support one another in practice.

We welcome feedback to improve these resources for the community, and can be reached at ashleyculprmt@gmail.com

Thank you for continuing to share this petition and these resources. Together, we are making the profession safer — one clear boundary at a time.