Men exposing their genitals and requesting sex has become the norm for Asian massage therapists who say they are being "tarred with the same brush" as illegal sex workers. Thai and Chinese massage therapists report regular cases of sexual harassment despite clear signage stating that there are no sexual services. Verbal, non-verbal and physical sexual harassment will not be tolerated". Owner Chin Chun Li said illegal massage shops, which provide sexual services for extra money, had tainted the oriental massage sector.
He said illegal shops were so common in cities that many Australians now associated oriental massage with sex. He moved his business to Horsham, in regional Victoria, to escape the reputation. But even in the regional town he has had to phone security for assistance, when men have refused to believe the sign or accept that staff would not perform sexual services. Meanwhile right across the road, western massage provider 'Ella Bache' has no need for a sign.
Receptionist Jamila Johns said there had only been one incident, five years ago. Receptionist Sandy said therapists were propositioned for sex about once a week. Until July Victoria Police could not charge a man who exposed his genitals to a massage therapist.
That same man could now be charged with a new indictable offence, called 'sexual activity directed at another person'. Non-threatening verbal requests for sex might not be prosecuted, but Sergeant Meadows said victims should still report them.
Industry body Massage and Myotherapy Australia is working to distance oriental massage in Australia from the sexual massages offered openly in popular tourist strips overseas. Ms Hughes said the women providing illegal sexual massages were often "sexual slaves" being exploited by shop owners.
