A 19-year-old woman says she was sexually assaulted by a doctor at a walk-in medical clinic last week, Winnipeg police said.
It happened last Thursday when the woman arrived at a clinic, You Medical Centre, in the 300 block of Johnson Avenue West with a minor illness. She met with a doctor who had previously treated her.
Police said the woman was escorted to a treatment room and was left alone for a short time. The physician then returned to the room and closed the door.
The woman was examined in an inappropriate manner, eventually leading to the point of sexual assault, police said. The victim sustained minor injuries and was treated in hospital before being released.
Police learned about the assault on Friday and an investigation began. The suspect later turned himself into police at its downtown headquarters.
Amir Houshang Mazhariravesh, also known as Dr. Amir Ravesh, 51, has been charged with sexual assault. He was released on a promise to appear in court.
“Chilling would be the right word to describe this,” said Const. Jay Murray. “This is a concerning event. If there are other victims we encourage them to come forward to police.”
Andrew Chubey, manager at You Medical Centre where Dr. Ravesh worked, provided CTV News with a statement.
‘We were shocked and dismayed to learn about the charges against Dr. Ravesh. We were notified about this for the first time over the weekend, by the Police. Prior to the contact from the Police, we had not been made aware of concerns regarding Dr. Ravesh's conduct," read the statement.
"You Medical puts the safety of its clients first. We do not condone any behavior that puts their safety and well-being at risk," it said, adding that no other doctor will be seeing patients, and that clients are being referred elsewhere.
Mazhariravesh is also on the board of directors at The Manitoba College of Family Physicians.
The investigation continues with members of the Sex Crimes Unit. Anyone with further information should call police at 204-986-6245 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477.
