'Trapped, exploited, treated like dirt': What it's like to work at a 'happy-ending' massage parlour.

Happy endings. We've all heard of them. 

There's the fairytale kind, yes. Films and books too. 

But then there's the happy ending we might joke about, with a wink and a nudge. The kind of happy ending that might come at the end of a so-called massage — if you go to the right place. 

'Rub and tug' massage parlours, as they're often called, are commonly considered something more likely to be found overseas. But, that's not the case. In Australia, there are plenty of 'massage parlours' that offer a wide range of extras.

At these venues you will be offered a massage, but not the type that's likely to remove the knots from your back or fix a crook neck.

These massages are more of a facade, a going-through-the-motions before the main agenda — essentially, they're a front for sex work, that allows venue operators to avoid the legal requirements of running a brothel. 

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They're relatively easy to spot, especially if you've had massages before. And they're pretty direct when it comes to their offerings, which they might label happy endings, extras, hand relief or full service. Generally, a 'happy ending' or 'hand relief' refers to masturbation, while 'full service' includes sexual intercourse or oral sex. 'Extras' covers all of those things, plus others.  

"Once we entered that private room, the client would tell me what they wanted," explained former sex worker, Jasmine*, who has worked in both illegal parlours and brothels. 

"Oral, full service, the use of pegs, anal, two girls -– whatever it was, the man would broach the topic and usually offer a price amount for this 'extra' (or you could name a price). It is then up to you to decline it, accept it, or negotiate."

Jasmine was in her early twenties when she found herself homeless. Up until that point, she'd lived a relatively normal life. 

"I had dreams and aspirations that were based on travel and becoming a psychologist. Once you are homeless, your chances of securing a job, being presentable for an interview, having resources etc, are so diminished," she said.

Jasmine needed money, and had come across other girls who had gone into sex work. After stewing on the idea for six months, Jasmine walked into a brothel and got her first job in the industry. 

"I was alone, had no money, no identification, needed to eat, sleep, shower, no access to services that could help me immediately, and I did not see any other way out," she said. 

From there she worked at six other venues, including so-called 'massage parlours', which aren't bound by the same laws as brothels. 

"You can walk into any type of venue and quickly be employed," she said. "There is no shortage of them."

Brothels versus 'massage parlours'.

Outside the critical issue of legal obligations, massage parlours differ from brothels in that — in theory — it's up to the workers to negotiate what extras they're willing to offer, when, and who with. 

Despite the facade, if you make an inquiry with one of these 'massage parlours' and a legitimate massage service provider, you'll receive very different responses. The former will likely give you a list of available extras or even a list of available girls along with their nationalities.

The latter will send a price list along with therapeutic options. Legitimate Thai massage venues, (the type most associated with 'happy endings'), will sometimes specify that they don't offer sexual services.  

Clients, generally men, who opt for massage parlours range from walk-ins to those who have pre-booked.

According to Jasmine, many come regularly to see the same woman.

"Most of my shift was filled by random walk-ins and the regulars who knew my schedule. Most men tend not to book," Jasmine said. 

"I knew what my regular massage clients expected, but any other extras were decided in the massage room between the client and myself. If they wanted sex, the norm was to ask if you did 'full service'. 

"They usually followed that with an offer of what they wanted to pay you for the extra they wanted. You can then negotiate that.

"Work is also affected by what a girl offers in terms of extras — you may see a random client who sees another girl next time because you would not have sex without a condom or give them anal."

Clients from all walks of life are drawn to massage parlours, Jasmine explained.

"I am always pondering the psychology and makeup of men who visit parlours," she said. "Especially when they say that they are happily married, but yet here they are seeking my services. Why?"

Why, indeed. And why choose a massage parlour, rather than a legal brothel? There could be a few reasons. The services are generally cheaper, it can be easier to cover up (even if you pay by card, the transaction will likely refer to a 'massage' or a 'day spa'), and the rules aren't as strict, leaving workers vulnerable to both STIs and rogue clients. 

According to Dr Caroline Norma, senior lecturer at RMIT University, more than half of sex-buyers resist condom use. 

"My impression is that massage parlours have lower resistance to (unsafe sex)," said Dr Norma. "They are cheaper than established brothels, and sex-buyers tend to look for 'bargains', and chat to each other online about cheap venues."

Exploitation and abuse.

"I first got into sex work in 2001, (when I was 20)," explained Dalia*.  "At the time, I was in a DV relationship. He took all my money and forced me to work at the massage parlour.

"You basically walk in, chat to the owner, then you have to strip naked for them to see if you're pretty enough. It was fairly obvious which places were normal massage places or not. 

"When a client comes in, all the girls walk out and the client then chooses which girl or girls he wants."

While extras weren't directly advertised, for legal reasons, Dalia says almost everyone who walked in knew exactly what they were coming for — sex for $100. 

"Clients vary from young and drunk, to old, sick men with disgusting kinks. One man wanted me to s*** on his face for $500," she said.

Like any job, sex work has its ups and downs, but for women working in illegal venues, there are unique risks. Dalia says she was exploited by her employer daily, but felt trapped. 

"I was treated like dirt, the owner used to hit me (if I refused) to do full sex," she said.

Condoms were supplied, but not enforced.

"We definitely were not looked after in any way for health and well-being. I got pushed to work almost full-time hours or (the owner) would threaten to hurt me."

Dalia says not all owners are necessarily abusive, but it's common. 

"It depended what place you worked at. Some women (I worked with) did other parlours too and didn't get bad treatment there. But it was very common. So was sexual assault," she said.

"I feel they all need to be shut down as they are not regulated like brothels."

According to Jasmine, signs of exploitation are unlikely to go unnoticed by the men frequenting the venues either. 

"I think men really need to think about the type of premises they utilise," she said.

"There are signs and I feel they are being ignored. I think the girls who work alongside each other need to look out for those signs too."

"Knock-on effect for women working in legal brothels."

According to Dr Norma, exploitation of women working in illegal venues — including trafficking and employing underage girls — is more common than most people think. 

"Plus they operate according to demand — if they manage to get hold of women who 'sell well', they'll trade these women to sex-buyers in more lucrative arrangements," she said. 

Dr Norma explained that the 'massage parlour' shopfronts usually trade a relatively small number of women, but venue operators are likely harbouring women in apartments nearby who may have arrived more recently.

Some of those women may be under the complete control of 'pimps', while others may be students on expired visas, she said.

This booming trade has had a knock-on effect on women working in legal brothels. 

"The 'legal' brothels came under competition from all the 'massage parlours', so they don't offer women any particular rights or perks, as far as I know. It's all become a race to the bottom," she said.

Sex work isn't the problem

Sex work itself isn't the problem — it's how it's being managed that matters. In a properly licensed and regulated brothel, workers have more rights, safety standards are more likely to be enforced, and support services are within reach. Recognising sex work as real work and treating it with respect and structure, is critical, according to those currently in the industry.

"When considering the safety and well-being of sex workers, it's important to acknowledge that legal venues offer a significantly safer environment compared to illegal massage parlours," said Belinda Gavin from adult lifestyle and entertainment expo, Sexhibition.

"Legal establishments operate under strict regulations and guidelines that ensure the protection of both workers and clients.

"By choosing to operate in a legal venue, pleasure workers not only protect themselves but also elevate the standards of service and client experiences. It's essential for everyone involved to engage in practices that promote safety, respect, and legality. This ultimately contributes to a healthier, more secure industry for all."

By contrast, illegal massage parlours thrive in the shadows, cutting corners on safety and accountability.

"Massage parlours operating illegally often lack these crucial safeguards," said Belinda.

"Without oversight, there are increased risks associated with safety, hygiene, and professionalism.

"The absence of legal structure can lead to exploitative situations for workers and an unsafe environment for clients."

Massage parlours also expose workers to greater risks of violence and trafficking, all while dodging the laws designed to protect them. Often, individual sex workers are forced to bear the legal risk too.

"It's made very clear that if someone was to find out about the extra services, the worker must claim she organised it all herself and took a 'donation' — so it wasn't a service exchange for money," explained Tess*, who worked as a receptionist for both legal brothels and massage parlours. "If the client says the same, then there isn't much the authorities can do."

Of course, not all women working in massage parlours are being exploited either.

Tess says some sex workers specifically choose illegal parlours because they're able to negotiate fees directly with their clients.

"Another reason some women choose to work in a massage parlour is that there might not be drug testing, and they might be more flexible on how long they can work plus cash jobs, so no tax," Tess explained. 

"Unlike a brothel which is regulated, with drug testing weekly, and also no cash jobs under any circumstances.  Also, brothels will not let you work more than 12 hours in 24 hours, and a maximum of six days per week. Massage places, you could work as much as you want."

Aside from the occasional incident, Tess says the sex workers at the venues she was employed at appeared to be safe, and also seemed to be there willingly. 

These venues were also less overt with their offerings, which meant workers didn't always have to have sex.

"A client will ask for maybe an 'extra', or literally a 'happy ending' during the massage. The worker might hint she offers it at a price and that's it," she said.

Tess says workers who offered full service, or sex, brought their own condoms, and negotiated the use of them with their individual clients. 

Despite a mostly positive experience, Tess concedes there is a difference between the two types of venues.

"None of the workers I managed were forced into anything, but I do understand there are places that do. I think those women are probably trafficked and they don't negotiate anything. They just comply with the owner or whoever they are in debt to," she said.

Private escort, Katija Cortez, says legislation not only improves worker safety, but also helps destigmatise the industry. Belinda agrees.

"By destigmatising pleasure work, we foster an environment where pleasure workers are accepted as regular service providers, deserving of respect and dignity," she said. "This cultural shift would not only empower those in the industry but also encourage open conversations about sexuality and well-being."

Jasmine and Dalia are no longer working in the sex industry.

*Names have been changed to protect identities.

Feature Image: Getty.