A Griffith masseuse has pleaded guilty to raping an 11-year-old boy in June.
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The Australian Association of Massage Therapists requires proper training and insurance for members as well as working with children checks.
Renjie Jhuang, a 30-year-old Taiwanese national, appeared in Griffith Local Court on Wednesday charged with indecently assaulting a person under 16 years of age and two counts of having sexual intercourse with a person aged between 10 and 14 years.
The NSW Police child abuse squad began investigations after the boy told his mother about the incident, which occurred during a sports massage session at Green Touch Massage at Griffith Central shopping centre on Saturday, June 25.
Detectives from the State Crime Command's Child Abuse Squad arrested Jhuang that afternoon. He was taken to Griffith police station where he was charged and refused bail.
Solicitor Magistrate Grogin accepted the guilty pleas in Griffith on Wednesday and referred the matter to the district court.
Jhuang remains behind bars and will appear in Griffith District Court on December 5.
A Wagga massage therapist, who asked not to be named, said people should use registered and accredited massage therapists.
“The Australian Association of Massage Therapists requires proper training and insurance for members as well as working with children checks,” she said.
“There is a strict code of practice for members.”
However, she said any industry involving vulnerable people could attract predators.
“That’s not just massage but in schools and youth organisations too unfortunately,” she said.
“Having a massage puts you in a pretty vulnerable situation. As a woman, I have to be careful of clients because predators could try and come to see me too.”
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
Reports can also be made to the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111.