In a professional discipline hearing, the tribunal found that a registrant sexually abused a client during a single massage therapy appointment at a home-based clinic.
Applying the objective test for conduct of a sexual nature, the tribunal accepted the client’s evidence over the registrant’s and found inappropriate remarks, instructions to fully undress, inadequate draping exposing sensitive areas, non-consensual inner-thigh treatment, breast touching, and the registrant climbing onto the massage table between the client’s legs.
The tribunal also found contraventions of published standards, physical abuse, and disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional conduct.
Because the proven conduct included sexual touching of the client’s breasts, the tribunal ordered the registrant’s certificate of registration suspended immediately and directed that penalty and costs be scheduled.