4 weeks ago, a massage client publicly accused me of indecent assault. I
completely deny the allegation and am confident that I acted as
professional and modest as possible. I had consulted with him thoroughly
throughout the massage and never touched...
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4 weeks ago, a massage client publicly accused me of indecent assault. I
completely deny the allegation and am confident that I acted as
professional and modest as possible. I had consulted with him thoroughly
throughout the massage and never touched private areas and any areas he
wasn't comfortable with. I had encouraged feedback multiple times,
before, during and after the massage. Not once did he express discomfort
or any negative reaction, said he 'felt nice.' However following the
massage he complained to reception and posted a negative review accusing
me of assaulting him, that I was behaving in a 'sexual and inappropriate
manner' (My boss asked him to delete this review, but it's still up). As
a result, I was suspended from working for 2 weeks. I submitted my
client treatment notes (which I always do after a treatment) and
explained my side. A police report was also submitted. 2 weeks later,
police dropped the report citing 'lack of evidence' and HR cleared me to
return working. I released a statement stressing my innocence and the
negative impact it has had on me. Unfortunately the fallout was huge.
Many regular clients have dropped me, therapists and staff have ignored
and excluded me. The business page has had abusive comments about me,
and I've had to turn my social media account private. Worse yet, this
client is still allowed to turn up (given he sees someone else) and he
is angry that I'm still hired, airing his grievances to staff behind my
back. Thankfully my boss and the assistant manager have been supportive
throughout all this and have defended me. What was once a workplace I'd
been proud of and happy to be working at, has all crumbled. My
reputation, confidence and ability to interact has been destroyed, and I
just now hate seeing people, especially the accuser. I have become more
paranoid and people pleasing, always fearing I've done something wrong.
This has caused some clients to get annoyed at me 'repeatedly asking
them questions and saying sorry.' Some other clients have even
questioned about me on it ('wait, is she the masseuse who molested a
client?') I've called in sick a few times (when I see he has booked on
the day). I feel very alone that I'm not allowed to talk about it, while
he's still allowed to turn up and talk. I'm expected to smile and 'just
keep my head high.' People I've had good working relationships with,
gone. Because of a completely false allegation. Personally, I've been in
a terrible mess. I've barely slept, I've cried out of nowhere, I'm
always watching my back in public. I keep replaying and ruminating the
events, and have barely left the house except when I have to work. As a
therapist working for 10 years, I have NEVER had anyone accuse me on
this level. When I work with clients, safety, comfort and trust is
paramount, and I drill that into every treatment. While I can't impress
everyone, I will always try my best to listen to the client, to
genuinely help and improve their wellbeing. If someone doesn't like
something, I encourage them to tell me upfront so that I can improve.
Despite this, I will never even imagine, let alone want to harm someone.
To be accused of this is beyond humiliating, damaging and upsetting. I
am also furious and outraged beyond words and really want to make the
client pay for what he did. Everyone needs to hear the truth about what
happened, which thankfully some people still believe me (like my sister,
partner, boss and assistant). I understand this is a heavy post, and I
have been seeking therapy for it. I do appreciate support and empathy
though, regardless.
PTSD for Medical and First Responders
