Voyeuristic Disorder is regarded as a form of atypical sexual interest. It is one of eight disorders grouped under Paraphilic Disorders, characterised by strong and persistent sexual interests, urges and behaviours.

Individuals with this condition get sexual pleasure from watching others in private moments, such as undressing, showering, or engaging in sexual acts—without the person’s consent or knowledge.

People affected by this disorder may not be looking for sexual activity with their subjects– typically women, children or inanimate objects– though they may engage in self-pleasuring acts.

Voyeuristic Disorder vs. Voyeurism: Key Differences and Symptoms

While many associate voyeurism with activities like secretly watching someone through a window or taking “upskirt” photos, not all instances of voyeurism meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder.

The main differences that differentiate voyeurism from Voyeuristic Disorder are:

The heightened frequency and intensity of the behaviour.
If the individual acts on their sexual urges non-consensually without another’s given consent
Whether the individual experiences distress or impairment in their daily life due to these urges at work, in social situations, or in other key areas of life.

Additionally, the condition must have been present for more than 6 months and cannot be diagnosed in individuals under the age of 18.

Voyeuristic Disorder often occurs alongside other conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. In some cases, people with this condition could even develop another paraphilic disorder like exhibitionistic disorder. – where individuals become sexually aroused by exposing their genitals or private parts to unsuspecting strangers.

Risk Factors for Voyeuristic Disorder

No particular causes have been identified for voyeuristic disorder. However, it appears that voyeuristic fantasies usually start in adolescence or early adulthood and are more common in men than in women. That being said, there are certain risk factors that could increase a person’s likelihood of developing the condition, such as:

Sexual Abuse: Early exposure to sexual abuse can increase the risk.
Substance Abuse: Drug or alcohol abuse may impair judgment, increasing the likelihood of voyeuristic acts.
Hypersexuality: An intense, frequent need for sexual stimulation can lead individuals to seek alternative ways of sexual gratification.
Sexual Preoccupation: Persistent thoughts about sexual activities can push individuals towards voyeuristic behaviours.

Voyeurism in Singapore

Voyeuristic acts are illegal in most countries and can have serious legal consequences. In recent years, there has been an increase in the reporting of such incidents, particularly related to the use of hidden cameras and upskirt photography in Singapore.

The police’s annual crime statistics showed that voyeurism cases increased to 476 cases in 2023 from 424 cases in 2022, accounting for 2.4% of total physical crime cases.

The most common locations where voyeurism cases were committed were:

Residential Premises where crimes were committed by perpetrators known to the victims, such as partners or ex-partners; household members or fellow tenants, which formed a majority of the cases (126 cases or 83.4%);,
Public Hotspots like shopping complexes and public transport on the other hand typically involve perpetrators unknown to the victims.

Treatment

Individuals with Voyeuristic Disorder rarely seek treatment on their own, often doing so only after being caught. However, various effective treatment options are available to help manage and reduce voyeuristic behaviours:

1. Psychotherapy

Several therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), the risk-needs-responsive (RNR) model, and dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), can help with modifying and stopping voyeuristic behaviour.

In treatment, CBT in particular is a widely used approach. The therapy includes:

Cognitive Restructuring: Techniques such as thought substitution and redirection are used to replace harmful thoughts with healthier, more adaptive ones.
Behavioural Modification: Methods like sensitization, abstinence training, and response prevention are applied to alter the individual’s behaviour and diminish voyeuristic urges by creating negative associations with voyeuristic stimuli.

2. Medication

To help manage the condition, in some cases, medication may be used together with therapy.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are usually prescribed for depression and anxiety but can help with this condition too. The intensity of sexual urges can be reduced by SSRIs. They also help in managing impulsive behaviours.
Anti-Androgen Therapy (Testosterone-Reducing Medications) can help persons with high levels of sexual drive. Testosterone-reducing medications may help lower sexual arousal and reduce voyeuristic impulses.

What to Do if You Suspect Voyeurism

If you suspect that you are a victim of voyeurism, it’s important to act carefully and take immediate steps to protect yourself.

* Report To The Police

Contact the police as soon as possible.
To contact the Singapore Police Force (SPF) use the following:
Police Emergency (For immediate police assistance) call 999

Emergency SMS
(For immediate police assistance if it is not safe to talk) 70999.

* Secure Evidence

If it’s safe, collect and preserve any evidence that could support your case. This evidence could be a video, photo, or other proof such as an eyewitness or physical evidence (like a hidden camera). You should inform the police immediately that you found evidence of voyeurism.

* Protect Your Privacy And Security

So that this doesn’t happen again change locks, update online passwords and tighten security settings on social media. If you know the person you suspect doing the act, or if you are concerned for your safety, ask for legal advice and/or apply for a protection order so you can feel safe.

* To heal, seek counselling and support

Being a victim of voyeurism can be a traumatic and distressing experience. Sometimes we need help in recovery from such an act.

Reach out to professional counselling services and start the healing process. At Psychology Blossom, we offer specialised counselling to help you process the trauma, manage anxiety, and regain a sense of security.

What is Voyeurism?

Voyeurism refers to sexual gratification from watching others without their knowledge or consent. Usually, during the most private moments, such as undressing, showering, or engaging in sexual acts.

How is Voyeuristic Disorder Diagnosed?

To be diagnosed with Voyeuristic Disorder, the individual must exhibit symptoms for at least six months, and the behavior must cause significant distress or impairment in their daily functioning.

Can Voyeuristic Disorder Be Treated?

Yes, it can be treated through therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the Good Lives Model, or with medications like SSRIs. The success of treatment often depends on the individual’s willingness to change and seek help.

What Are The Legal Consequences of Voyeurism?

In Singapore, if someone is convicted of voyeurism, they can face up to two years in jail, fines, caning, or a combination of one or more. Voyeuristic crimes involving victims younger than 14 years old will mean mandatory imprisonment, plus fines and caning.

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Paraphilic Disorders

Gentle Start-Up in Couples Communication

Name: Voyeuristic Disorder
Creator: Psychology Blossom

What is a Gentle Start-up?

Effective communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship, and this holds for couples as well. A gentle start-up in communication refers to initiating a conversation with care, empathy, and respect. It’s about setting a positive tone for the discussion, which is essential in ensuring both partners feel heard and understood.

In Asian households, where communication can sometimes be perceived as harsh or direct, the concept of a “gentle start-up” may seem jarring, and unfamiliar. Traditional Asian households often prioritize directness and sometimes even bluntness in communication, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts within couples.

In fact, gentle start-up is actually aligned when the values of Asian households. Many Asian households emphasize respect towards loved ones. In such contexts, starting a conversation gently can be seen as a sign of respect, even if the content of the conversation is a complaint.

Maintaining harmony is a fundamental value within Asian households as well. A gentle start-up not only reflects respect but also serves to preserve the equilibrium within the relationship. Initiating a conversation gently reinforces the importance of the relationship. This approach communicates that the relationship is more significant than any temporary disagreement or frustration.

In Asian households, collectivism and interdependence are deeply rooted cultural values. These values emphasize the interconnectedness of the couple and the idea that their actions and words can impact the entire relationship.

The gentle start-up approach aligns with these values and aims to minimize the emotional impact of difficult moments within the family. By choosing a more respectful and considerate tone, family members can navigate challenging conversations with minimal emotional harm, ultimately promoting healthier and more harmonious family dynamics.

Benefits of Gentle Start-Ups:

Enhanced Understanding:
- Initiating a conversation gently allows both partners to approach the topic with an open mind, fostering better understanding and empathy.
Reduced Defensiveness:
- A harsh start to a conversation can trigger defensiveness, making it challenging to resolve issues. A gentle start-up can minimize this defensiveness, leading to more productive discussions.
Conflict Resolution:
- By using a gentle approach, couples can create a safe space for addressing concerns and resolving conflicts constructively.

In Asian households, the importance of gentle start-ups in couples’ communication becomes evident when considering the cultural dynamics at play. While directness and bluntness have their place, employing a gentle approach can foster understanding, reduce defensiveness, and facilitate healthy conflict resolution. It’s a harmonious blend of traditional values and effective communication techniques that can lead to stronger, more resilient relationships in the context of diverse Asian households.

What is Voyeuristic Disorder?

Voyeuristic Disorder vs. Voyeurism: Key Differences and Symptoms

Risk Factors for Voyeuristic Disorder

Voyeurism in Singapore