Whether you’re visiting a massage therapist, physiotherapist, chiropractor, esthetician, waxing appointment, tattoo artist, or another personal care provider, you should feel safe, respected, and in control throughout your appointment.
Many personal care services involve physical touch, close proximity, or removing some clothing. While the vast majority of professionals are committed to providing ethical, client-centred care, these situations can also create feelings of vulnerability. Understanding your rights can help you make informed decisions and recognize when your boundaries are not being respected.
Consent Is an Ongoing Conversation
Consent is more than signing an intake form. It is an ongoing process that should continue throughout your appointment. Before beginning treatment, your practitioner should:
- Explain what the treatment involves.
- Discuss which areas of your body will be treated.
- Answer any questions you may have.
- Obtain your informed consent before beginning.
- Check in with you throughout the appointment, particularly if the treatment changes.
You have the right to change your mind at any time. Agreeing to one part of a treatment does not mean you have agreed to everything.
You Are in Control of Your Body
Regardless of the type of appointment, you have the right to:
- Remain dressed to your comfort level whenever possible.
- Be properly draped or covered during treatments that require clothing to be removed.
- Ask questions before or during your appointment.
- Request changes to pressure, positioning, or technique.
- Decline any part of the treatment.
- Pause or end the appointment at any time.
You do not need to justify your decision. Your comfort and safety matter.
Trust Your Instincts
Sometimes, something simply doesn’t feel right.
A practitioner should never pressure you, dismiss your concerns, make sexual or inappropriate comments, or touch you in ways that fall outside the treatment you consented to.
Boundary violations can sometimes happen gradually, making it difficult to recognize or speak up in the moment. You may question yourself or wonder if you’re overreacting.
If you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts. You know your body best, and you are the expert on your own comfort.
“No” and “Stop” Are Complete Sentences
You never owe anyone an explanation for protecting your boundaries. If you are uncomfortable, you can say:
- “No.”
- “Stop.”
- “I’m not comfortable with that.”
- “I’d like to end the appointment.”
- “Please explain why this is necessary.”
A respectful professional will listen, stop immediately, and respond professionally.
If Your Boundaries Are Violated
If you experience inappropriate touching, sexual comments, assault, or any other form of misconduct during a personal care appointment, remember:
- What happened is not your fault.
- You have the right to leave immediately if you feel unsafe.
- You may wish to write down what happened while the details are fresh in your mind.
- You can report the incident to police if you choose.
- If the practitioner is regulated, you can also file a complaint with their professional regulatory body.
You are not required to report concerns to the clinic or business before contacting police or a regulatory college.
Everyone Deserves Safe Care
Most health care and personal care professionals work hard to create welcoming, respectful, and trauma-informed environments for their clients. Understanding your rights is not about creating fear—it’s about ensuring that everyone knows what respectful, consent-based care should look like.
Every person deserves to feel safe during their appointments.
Every person deserves to have their boundaries respected.
Every person deserves to have their voice heard.
We Are Here to Help
If you’ve experienced sexual violence, boundary violations, or intimate partner violence, support is available.
Lanark County Interval House and Community Support provides free, confidential, trauma-informed services for women and their children experiencing abuse and gender-based violence.
If you would like to speak with someone, our team is here to listen without judgment and help you explore your options at your own pace.
24-Hour Crisis & Support Line
Lanark County: 1-800-267-7946
You deserve to feel safe. Always.
