Ffion Price, 26, a masseuse operating as Serenity by Ffion, has taken the step of installing a rape alarm in her treatment room following a series of incidents involving male clients. She stated that since starting her business, she has encountered inappropriate messages and advances from men on a frequent basis, sometimes multiple times a week.
Price described how some clients have become increasingly sophisticated in their approach, inquiring about massages of “just certain areas” or requesting specific types of massage that she had to research and found to be highly inappropriate. She also recounted an incident where a client made her feel uncomfortable and vulnerable by failing to use the modesty towel during a massage. The client, who remained in his boxers, reportedly became sexually aroused while Price was massaging his leg and subsequently grabbed her hand.
Following this encounter, the client showed no signs of embarrassment and attempted to book another appointment. Reflecting on the experience, Price stated she would have asked him to leave and identified the failure to use the modesty towel as an immediate red flag. She expressed feeling as though she was in the wrong during the situation due to his actions.
Price believes that the prevalence of pornography and the internet has fostered unrealistic and sexualized expectations of professional massage services. She noted that clients sometimes expect treatments that are offered in other countries but are not part of professional massage therapy in her location. "People are aware that you could go to other countries and have these sorts of treatments and they would be what these men are expecting," she said. "But it's very different - that's what they offer. But you come over here and it's a professional massage."
To address these concerns and enhance her safety, Price has implemented enhanced safety measures, including the installation of a rape alarm. She is also advocating for improved college training for massage therapists to better equip them with the skills to handle such situations and to educate clients on professional boundaries. She holds Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy Massage and a Level 2 Diploma.