Protecting the safety and well-being of our members is a priority for the RMTAO. Our recent survey confirmed that sexual harassment and assault from patients is a significant challenge facing the profession, and that many RMTs feel under-equipped to handle these situations

Some key survey results include:

• 73% reporting experiencing sexual harassment.
• 21% of respondents reported experiencing sexual assault.
• 69% reported never receiving training on how to handle sexual assault or harassment.

In an attempt to address this gap in training, we are sharing a variety of resources to address this issue. Below you will find public websites and contact information of experienced organizations that can help you if you are dealing with sexual harassment or assault in your practice. These organizations will connect you with trained professionals that are experienced in this issue.

We have also introduced a new webinar to address these issues: Navigating Ambiguity: Sexual Boundary Management for RMTs
Date: May 27, 2026
Time: 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. 
Description: This free webinar offers a practical, evidence-informed framework to help RMTs recognize and navigate situations where therapeutic intent becomes ambiguous or sexualized by patients. A recording will be made public at no cost, following the session. Access the webinar.

In the next phase of the RMT Sexual Violence Resource Centre we will share additional tools to help you assess and respond to ambiguous or inappropriate patient behaviour, and establish clear boundaries before treatment.

These will include:

• Zero Tolerance Poster
• Patient Code of Conduct
• Patient Behaviour Decision Tree

While not every situation can be anticipated, we are focused on equipping you with tools to set clear expectations, establish boundaries, and respond confidently to inappropriate behaviour. 

If you have questions or concerns please contact RMTAO at info@rmtao.com. 

Sexual Violence Resources in Ontario