Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/97768
World, a group that advocates against human trafficking. He says today it is common knowledge that many prostitutes are victims, not criminals. Elisabet Medina, a case manager who works with survivors of human trafficking in California through the nonprofit advocacy group Opening Doors, says it's a challenge for law enforcement and those advocating for victims of human trafficking to identify what's really happening behind those closed doors of the massage parlors. "We can't tell where prostitution stops and sex trafficking begins," she says. "Distinguishing between victims and prostitutes is an ongoing problem. We walk a fine line. Prostitution can be a gateway to human trafficking, or a symptom of something deeper. When we advocate for clients, we don't always make the assumption that they are there by choice," Medina says. "It really is a vicious cycle." J Paying the Price ust as it's been an effective front for prostitution, massage therapy is a natural cover for criminals involved in sex trafficking—what other legitimate business involves clients disrobing and lying naked on a table? In the field of health care, massage has always been treated differently, partially because of this fact. Charging legitimate massage therapists up to $3,000 for a business license while other healthcare providers pay nothing, forcing them to set up business in warehouse districts, and asking MTs to take blood tests, undergo physical exams, and submit to fingerprinting all illustrate the disparity. And now, two states (with at least 11 more having similar conversations in their legislative halls in 2013)5 require airports, train stations, and other highly trafficked areas, as well as massage businesses, to post human trafficking hotline information in the public's view. It's an idea sound in its intent, but some argue its implementation is faulty. Is it punishment or good practice to insist MTs post the human trafficking hotline number? Is it harmful to business, or the right thing to do? Patrizio understands the sensitivity to this issue. "A business owner or employee may feel like they are being implicated in this crime industry [by having to post the hotline]," he says. "I can understand that this may seem unfair because most massage therapists proudly demonstrate the highest ethical d Require May Bess Posters Busine in Your If you live in a state that requires, or is considering requiring, massage businesses to post human trafficking hotline information, here are a few suggestions. While you must adhere to the law, which may detail everything from paper size to the size of the font to be used for these posters, there is nothing that says you have to put it on neon paper with arrows drawing attention to it. Put it on pretty paper instead, and frame it like your business license or other items hanging on your back wall. As human trafficking groups remind us, there is nothing wrong with educating the public about the issue, and if asked, you can tell clients about human trafficking and how you advocate for its victims by being proactive in your own profession. Follow the law and have your "what does that mean" elevator speech ready when clients ask. You are not that, and that is not you, so be confident and prepared with your explanation. (Members of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals will be given notification when they are impacted by these bills and given direction on how to proceed.) and professional standards as they day-in and dayout make people's lives a little bit easier and a lot healthier. But personally, I believe the simple posting of a hotline number will raise more awareness with our clients and colleagues to this vast problem of modern-day slavery. And if this leads to just one girl seeing this number, calling it, and finding a new life, it is most purposeful. If it leads to more individuals recognizing this problem and getting involved as a modern-day abolitionist or keeping an alert eye out, then again, well worth it." www.abmp.com. See what benefits await you. 85