News and Media

FSMTB Human Trafficking Task Force Report Released

November 3, 2017

Contact: Emily Derrick
Communications Manager, Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards
ederrick@fsmtb.org / 913.681.0380

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 3, 2017

FSMTB Human Trafficking Task Force Report Released

(OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – November 3) - The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards released its Human Trafficking Task Force Report at its 2017 Annual Meeting.

The Report was compiled by the FSMTB Human Trafficking Task Force. This task force, comprised entirely of volunteers who serve on state regulatory boards, was created by the FSMTB Delegate Assembly in 2015 to describe the human trafficking problem as it pertains to the massage therapy profession and to produce solutions for consideration by the FSMTB and state boards.

“This report is a tangible reflection of our vision and our values and we thank the regulatory board volunteers who generously and tenaciously tackled this difficult topic,” said FSMTB Executive Director Dr. Debra Persinger. “We definitely look forward to continuing to work in our area of massage therapy regulatory responsibility that will contribute towards the ultimate eradication of human trafficking.”

Through the publication of this Report, FSMTB aims to call attention to concerns regarding the prevalence and impact of human trafficking and illicit businesses upon the massage profession, many of which have been brought to the attention of the FSMTB and its member jurisdictions. It also seeks to offer solutions for the regulatory community.

In lieu of providing conference mementos at the Annual Meeting, the FSMTB donated funds to Selah Freedom, a national organization that provides education and training as well as teen prevention, outreach and safe housing for human trafficking victims.

"Selah Freedom is deeply grateful for the support of the massage therapy licensing boards in the United States,” said Selah Freedom CEO Elizabeth Fisher. “In locking arms with professionals from all backgrounds, we can not only fight against sex trafficking in our nation… But we can end it!"

In addition, a donation was made by an FSMTB partner, on behalf of FSMTB, to International Justice Mission, the largest international human trafficking organization. The organization rescues victims, restores survivors, and holds traffickers accountable in court.

The Human Trafficking Task Force Report is available for free electronic download. You can access the report here.

FSMTB is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, membership organization composed of massage and bodywork regulatory and licensing boards and agencies from 40 states, the District of Columbia, and the territory of Puerto Rico. FSMTB’s mission is to support its member boards in their work to ensure that the practice of massage therapy is provided to the public in a safe and effective manner.

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