VOYEURISM

If you have ever heard of a "peeping Tom," you have an idea of voyeurism. A voyeur is almost always male. He has sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviors that involve watching a person who is naked, undressing, or having sex.

The person who is being observed is nonconsenting, and not aware that he or she is being watched. The voyeur usually masturbates at the time he is watching or later while remembering. Sexual contact with the person or persons observed is not sought. Voyeurism is illegal. Victims often report feeling violated or frightened if they notice the voyeur.

Because voyeurs do not hurt anyone and because they are secretive, they are rarely caught. As with most sexual disorders of this type, they rarely seek treatment on their own. As a result, we do not know much about voyeurs and voyeurism. The average age of onset appears to be before age 15. The disorder appears to be lifelong unless treated.

A certain amount of voyeurism is considered normal. This is why there are R-rated and X-rated movies. You may enjoy these, as well as graphic magazines. You may have even been sexually aroused when you noticed by accident someone who was undressing, naked, or having sex. However, unless you seek out these experiences, you are not a true voyeur.

If you are a voyeur, you may wish to consider getting into therapy. If you continue, you take the risk of getting arrested and forced into treatment. A phone call to your State Board of Mental Health can result in a referral to a specialist in this area. What you say will not be shared as long as you pose no threat to yourself or others. If someone you care about is a voyeur, encourage him to seek treatment.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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