Voyeurism - Peeping Toms Go to Jail!

Voyeurism is the act of deriving sexual pleasure from unlawfully observing other individuals. The offender views, observes, spies upon or invades the privacy of the victim by looking through doors, windows and other openings of a private property without due consent from the victim who has reasonable expectation of privacy for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desires of the offender. The victim may indulge in sexually illicit activities, nude or partly nude or dressed in a fashion which the offender finds arousing.

Characteristics Of A Voyeur

There are several methods and means done and used by the voyeur to observe the victim. However, one distinguishing characteristic is present which is the absence of interaction between the voyeur and the victim. Victims are usually unaware that they are being observed since the voyeur uses methods like peeping through holes or cracks or using materials like binoculars, telescopes, mirrors and cameras.

Voyeurs are found to have a psychological problem when it comes to creating a stimulus or degree of excitement in observing the object of voyeurism. Offenders are usually careful about their activities but their sexual imaginations are typically derived from what they formerly observed. The act of unlawfully observing without being caught provides voyeurs a sense of thrill and excitement which keeps them constantly engaging in the activity. Voyeurism is a form of paraphilia.

Some states would recognize and categorize voyeurs as sex offenders even if the act is a misdemeanor and violates the right to privacy. Some countries consider the act a sex crime with very severe penalties imposed to violators. Non-consensual voyeurism is also a crime in some areas. The act is considered a misdemeanor in most states depending on severity, frequency and nature. It is a typical breaching of peace and invasion of privacy although it still counts as a sexual offense.

Forms Of Voyeurism

There are some tolerances for the use of surveillance cameras and dressing room cameras as long as the public is aware that they are being observed. However, most states ban the use of cameras in private sections like bathrooms and dressing rooms. Video monitoring with the sole purpose of theft prevention is allowed but other purposes will be considered illegal immediately. Owners and operators of the cameras can be guilty of voyeurism. Two-way mirrors are also used often.

Video voyeurism is electronically transmitting a visual image of another individual who is privately exposing his or her body without due consent. The individual being recorded is not aware of the situation or expected that his or her actions are privately kept intact. Offenders can be charged with video voyeurism if they intentionally use or install an imaging device to secretly view or record a person’s exposed body at a time he or she expects privacy. Reasons for use and installation are usually for amusement, sexual arousal or profit.

Punishment For Voyeurs

Offenders can be penalized in fines and imprisonment. Fines can range from $100 to $10,000 and offenders can be imprisoned from twenty four hours to six months depending on severity and nature of voyeurism.