The trial of Ruben Manz continues this week with more testimony from women accusing the Regina-area chiropractor of sexual assault.
Manz is the Emerald Park chiropractor accused of sexually assaulting seven women between 2010 and 2020 while they were under his care. The complainants cannot be identified due to a publication ban.
The Crown’s witnesses have been testifying during the trial’s first few weeks. On Monday, a 30-year-old woman recounted her experience with Manz for the jury.
The witness said she went to Manz in 2017 to address back pains. She testified that over the course of multiple appointments, Manz would slowly lower his hand toward her breast while performing neck stretches. She said during her final appointments, he was “grabbing skin to reach toward her breast.”
She reported the incident to police years later, after her ex-boyfriend shared a post about Manz on Facebook. She said she regrets not reporting her experience right away.
As with previous witnesses, Manz’s defence lawyer questioned her recollection of the details of her story.
Multiple women allege inappropriate and unwanted actions by Dr. Ruben Adam Manz during the course of chiropractic treatments. (Argyle Natural Health Centre)
Earlier this month, a 50-year-old woman testified that at her last appointment with Manz, one of his hands was inside her shirt while his other hand was pulling her head to one side.
She said his pinky finger went underneath her bra and she felt her breast lift.
The defence challenged that witness’s recollection of events and her understanding of how chiropractic practices work. They also asked the witness why it took her until April 2021 to finally report to police.
“I wasn’t sure if it was inappropriate, I just know it made me feel uncomfortable,” she said.
She said having the alleged act happen to her made her unsure of herself, but that if it had happened to someone else, such as her daughter, she would have fully understood that it was an act of sexual assault.
She also said she wanted to be careful not to make false accusations of sexual assault. She said she wanted to be sure that what happened to her was a crime.
The final complainant for the Crown is expected to speak Tuesday. The trial is set to run until Nov. 29.
For anyone who has been sexually assaulted, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services via the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If you’re in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.