What is Voyeuristic Disorder?
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.
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.