In a troubling development for the massage therapy industry in regional Victoria, five women have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against a father-son duo operating a massage business in Ballarat. The accusations, which have been reported to the ABC, highlight concerns about inappropriate sexual behavior and a perceived lack of oversight within the industry.
The allegations center around Phillip and Iean Lewis, who have been accused of exploiting their positions as massage therapists to engage in inappropriate conduct. One of the complainants, Mikayla, expressed her exhaustion after filing a report with the Health Complaints Commission (HCC), only to feel disillusioned by the system designed to protect patients.
While the HCC initially upheld Mikayla’s complaint, the decision was revoked weeks later, leaving her and others questioning the effectiveness of regulatory oversight. The accused men have denied all allegations, with one suggesting that social media is responsible for the accusations, claiming, “it’s statistically proven 78 per cent of [it] is false and most of it is from females.”
Preying on Vulnerable Clients
Mikayla, who began treatment with Phillip Lewis in 2018, recounted her experiences to the ABC, detailing how sessions gradually became inappropriate. At one point, Mr. Lewis allegedly asked her to be his girlfriend and made distressing comments about his mental health during a massage session.
“He needed a woman to ‘save him’ and asked me would I be that for him,” Mikayla said. She also described an incident where Mr. Lewis failed to cover her with a towel, staring at her naked breasts instead. Despite filing a complaint with the HCC, Mikayla was dismayed to learn that the interim prohibition order placed on Mr. Lewis was revoked after new evidence was considered.
‘Disgusting’ Behavior
Katie Van Egmond, another client, described her discomfort during sessions with Phillip Lewis, where he made inappropriate comments about her personal life. She alleged that Mr. Lewis touched her genitals on multiple occasions and shared disturbing fantasies about his interactions with other clients.
Ms. Van Egmond sought out the father-son business for its use of Bowen therapy, a technique that claims to relieve pain. However, a 2015 review by the Australian government health department found insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of Bowen therapy.
Police Involvement and Regulatory Gaps
Another woman, Annie, reported her experience to the police, but was told that the behavior did not constitute sexual assault. Feeling unsupported, Annie eventually gave up on pursuing her complaint through official channels, highlighting the challenges faced by victims seeking justice.
According to Dr. Marina Gertsberg, a researcher in sexual harassment policy at Melbourne University, these issues are exacerbated in regional areas where oversight is minimal. “A self-employed service provider who doesn’t require any professional certification or registration with a professional board … seems to be a blind spot or regulatory desert that needs to be addressed,” she said.
Business Responds to Allegations
In response to the allegations, Phillip and Iean Lewis denied most of the claims, except for adjusting bra straps during sessions. They argued that their actions were professional and necessary for the treatment process. The pair also dismissed the allegations as unlikely, given the volume of clients they serve.
“Everything was revoked — everything she claimed, we beat it and we won,” Phillip Lewis stated, referring to the HCC complaint. Both men denied engaging in sexual conversations or inappropriate physical contact, asserting that they always sought consent during treatments.
The unfolding situation raises significant questions about the regulation and oversight of massage therapy practices, particularly in regional areas. With the allegations continuing to surface, there is a growing call for more stringent regulatory measures to protect clients from potential misconduct.
