More witnesses testify at Regina-area chiropractor's sexual assault trial

The trial of Ruben Manzcontinues this week with more testimony from women accusingthe 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 testifyingduring the trial's first few weeks. On Monday,a 30-year-old woman recounted her experience with Manz forthe 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 towardher 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 postabout Manz on Facebook. She said she regrets not reporting her experience right away.

As with previous witnesses, Manz'sdefencelawyer questioned her recollection of the details of her story.

Earlier this month, a50-year-old womantestified 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 defencechallenged that witness'srecollection of events and her understanding of how chiropractic practices work. They alsoasked the witness why it took her until April 2021 to finally report to police.

"I wasn't sure if itwas inappropriate, Ijust know it made me feel uncomfortable," she said.

She said having the alleged acthappen 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 tomakefalse accusations of sexual assault. She said she wanted to be sure that what happened to her was a crime.

The final complainant for the Crownis expected to speak Tuesday. The trial is set to run until Nov.29.

Witnesses testify at trial for Regina chiropractor charged with sexual assault

12 days ago

Duration 0:56

Ruben Manz is 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.

For anyone who has been sexually assaulted, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services via theEnding 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.