By Janika ter Ellen
Police have issued a warning to anyone getting a massage: Don't be afraid to question your therapist if you think what they are doing is inappropriate.
The warning comes after a Palmerston North masseur was convicted for indecent assault, a conviction one therapist says hurts the reputation of the whole industry.
Getting a massage should be a relaxing treat but it doesn't always end up that way.
Massage therapist Brendon Dorn has been sentenced to serve four months home detention after being found guilty of inappropriately touching a client at the Fergusson Road premises in Palmerston North.
The industry association says it reflects badly on all therapists, and believes the penalty should be harsher.
“What worries me is the fact that the judge, in his wisdom, has decided that he can carry on practising post his four month detention,” president of Massage NZ Roger Gooch says.
Dorn is now appealing his conviction but the case has prompted police to issue a warning, saying many people may not know what's legal or ethical, and what isn't.
They say there should be constant communication between the practitioner and customer, and clear consent procedures in place.
All treatment should be documented, draping of customers should be strict, and breasts and genitals can only be uncovered after significant consultation.
Breast massage needs specific consent but touching of genitals is a criminal offence.
Mr Gooch agrees.
“If that's happening and there's no consent, for the breast massage, then, you know, you've got to complain immediately,” he says. “There's no reason why any massage therapist would touch your genitalia, absolutely no reason at all, so that's a complete
no-no.”
He says if you feel uncomfortable, ask the therapist to stop and ring the association or police, for advice.
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