Audio: Asian massage therapists tired of harassment by sex pests ABC News 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. More money for a 'happy ending' "I can live in Sydney and do this business and make lots of money," Mr Li said. 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.
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.
And yet the requests continue. Receptionist Sandy said therapists were propositioned for sex about once a week. Illegal shops exploit 'sexual slaves' 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. She has spoken at Thai massage conferences, warning prospective therapists to be wary of job offers in Australia.
These stereotypes get kind of labelled on to you and so then you become kind of dehumanised. She has a list of similar stories and avoids Bangkok completely out of fear tourists will assume she is a sex worker and proposition her.
