Voyeurism
Updated:Voyeurism refers to the practice of deriving sexual pleasure and arousal from observing others when they are naked, undressing, or engaged in sexual activity. Voyeurs are usually not directly involved with the subject of their interest, and often observe from a concealed location or through video recording. Voyeurism becomes a paraphilic disorder when it causes distress, impairment, or harm to oneself or others.
Additional Information
Voyeuristic interest itself is relatively common and not necessarily problematic. Many people enjoy watching others for sexual stimulation, such as with consensual pornography or exhibitionism. However, voyeurism as a disorder involves observing non-consenting individuals, often in private spaces where there is an expectation of privacy, like homes, hotel rooms, or changing areas. This non-consensual aspect is what makes pathological voyeurism unethical and illegal in most jurisdictions.
Examples
A person finding sexual arousal in consensually watching their partner undress
An individual secretly recording others in a public changing room for later viewing and masturbation, which would be considered non-consensual voyeurism and likely illegal