Police are keen to ensure that visitors to health massage therapists are aware of what is legal and ethical, following the conviction of a practitioner for indecent assault.
Brendon Clive Dorn, 34, is currently serving four months home detention after being found guilty of inappropriately touching a client at his Palmerston North massage business. He has also been ordered not to work as a masseur while serving his sentence.
Detective Andy Livingstone who led the investigation said: "My biggest concern is that customers or patients who undergo massage therapy are not necessarily clear about what they should expect, and may be embarrassed to question something they feel is inappropriate. This case provides a good opportunity to highlight what practices are acceptable and when alarm bells should ring."
The following information should assist customers:
• Informed consent is vital, so there should be clear consent procedures in place and clear communication between the practitioner and the customer.
• All treatments should be documented.
• Anyone can practise massage so customers should seek out those with qualifications and someone who is trusted and recommended.
• Draping of customers should be strict and the uncovering of genitalia or breasts should only occur after consultation and consent.
• It is an offence for practitioners to touch genitalia. To massage breasts specific consent needs to be sought.
"Just because someone wears the cloak of a professional doesn't mean you don't have the right to question their actions," said Detective Livingstone. "We don't want someone not coming forward because they are confused or embarrassed, so we urge anyone who has concerns about a practitioner to contact the Health and Disability Commission or the Police."
Dr Kim McGregor of Rape Prevention Education in Auckland said: "I commend the Police for being proactive and providing sexual violence prevention information to the general public.
"Sexual abuse is a huge problem in our country and unfortunately, every profession will contain a small number who have sexually inappropriate attitudes and behaviours. For this reason every profession that has interactions with the general public should have specific sexual violence prevention training that identifies the policies and procedures to keep the general public safe.
"Professionals need to have specialist training to be able to identify risk factors, be equipped to screen and monitor all staff and have the confidence to be able to respond quickly to any inappropriate behaviours.
"Every member of the general public should feel empowered to speak out immediately if they feel uncomfortable with a professional. Professionals should be equipped with the appropriate skill set to respond to their concerns promptly."
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.