Meeting naturists when hill walking - would you be worried?

[JGACC]

Hi all, I'm interested to gather women's thoughts on this. I read a Facebook post by Macclesfield police this morning asking people to report if they see a male naturist in the Peak District (screenshot attached) as there has been a lot of reports over the last few weeks. I was really surprised that the vast majority of the comments are saying it's legal (which yes it is) and to leave him alone. As a young female who often walks in the Peaks on my own my first thought was...I'd be worried and extremely uncomfortable if I came across him and would probably hide behind a tree or rock and try to call someone. Am I paranoid or is this actually fine and something I should take as lightly as the majority of the (mostly, but not all male) commenting public seem to?

I'll admit I was surprised to learn that it is entirely legal to wander round anywhere nude. It does seem a lot of naturists have no sexual intent and are more interested in being at one with nature. The man in question doesn't seem to have been reported as carrying out threatening behaviour and is probably harmless but it still makes me worried and I don't know if I'm ridiculous or not. (I would rather be ridiculous than not in this case!)

Minnie, we aren’t talking about naturists. They don’t go where they’re not welcome. Fetishists do.

Ps I have been flashed in a park, that's far more threatening than a naturist (though I had the last laugh because my dog knew the guy was doing wrong and started to seriously bear teeth etc, he ran!

If a naked man walks towards you when you are alone in an empty park, what's the difference between a flasher and a "naturist"?

that muppet in the Guardian who likes involving the young female sales assistants as he buys knickers in excruciating and loving detail to get them as embarrassed as possible while he compels them to be involved in his sexual experience. He mentioned how he liked to smile at them at the tills in a way to explain to them 'you may not be enjoying it but I am'.

Oh yes, ugh I remember that one he's an example of what I mean when I state that I don't want to be involved in other people's sexual fetishes without my consent.

Dogs can tell doncha know. 🤦‍♀️

Obviously in Minnie’s case - a growling dog.

Another example of ‘doesn’t effect me, or my dog, it’ll be right’.

@Falleninwiththewrongcrowd

The law in UK does not permit the exposure of a penis in a situation where the viewer has not consented to see it. Really?

See all the prosecutions of the Naked Rambler. I suppose I should have said Scotland but even in England you can't just get your penis out wherever and whenever you want.

Not in Scotland- see the many prosecutions of the Naked Rambler and his Naked Girlfriend. I doubt very much you can lawfully whip your penis out in England whenever and wherever you want either.

The CPS guidance MillyMolly linked to earlier doesn't mention consent (or penises), but it does acknowledge "naturists' rights to freedom of expression", and that they may wish to enjoy nudity outside designated areas. It also says that nudity in public alone with no aggravating features is very unlikely to amount to any offence.

I guess there must have been some aggravating features in those cases where people were prosecuted.
www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/nudity-public-guidance-handling-cases-naturism

Deliberately misinterpreting.

In the absence of any sexual context and in relation to nudity where the person has no intention to cause alarm or distress it will normally be appropriate to take no action unless members of the public were actually caused harassment, alarm or distress (as opposed to considering the likelihood of this).

All that’s needed is a member of the public to see and complain.

I bring a weapon every time I know I'm going to be away from civilization or staying out late. I'm 100% sure most of these men are using "naturalism" as an excuse.

Me too Luna

Actually the exact opposite is true. Research shows that regularly practising social nudity in a non-sexual setting over a period of time leads to an improvement in general mental well-being, increased self-confidence and body acceptance, and reinforces both friendships and relationships. Put simply, being naked where possible and practical can be beneficial to our mental health.

ZOMBIE THREAD
Research shows eh? In a UK outdoors context? What research is that then.

There is a wealth of research very easily found via a quick Google. Here are just three that I found within a few seconds:
www.bn.org.uk/news/information/about-bn/does-naturism-help-your-mental-health-r952/
www.gold.ac.uk/news/naked-and-unashamed/
fcn.ca/Benefits-of-Naturism

Are you trying to pretend that the great outdoors is a suitable setting?

Nudists use controlled settings so they can control who is there, remove troublemakers, and for reasons of consent. Since we cant tell which of the naked men are genuine nudists and which are exhibitionists, you keep your pants on.

Aye, the mental health of the person who is nude. Who gives a fuck about all the women who definitely don't want to encounter a nude male in the forest, eh? Never mind their instinctive fear response, history of trauma, religious beliefs, personal preferences, dignity. So long as the chaps can feel the breeze around their parts and increase their self-confidence, all is well.

It should be borne in mind though that naturism does not preclude women from taking part and enjoying those benefits for themselves, and indeed there are women who regularly participate in naked hiking and rambling, although admittedly they tend only to do so as part of an organised group rather than going solo.

The problem we face is that we have been conditioned as a society to believe that any naked man must automatically be suspicious and up to no good because all men are predatory, and conversely a naked woman must automatically be in need of protection because all women are vulnerable. Clearly this isn’t the case amongst genuine naturists, but whilst there continues to be a few bad apples - i.e. deviant men masquerading as naturists - then it will continue to be a difficult task to change that perception.

How about the men have some empathy for women and restrict their nudity to places where it's expected?

A man walking around naked is making a clear statement that he'll do what the fuck he wants and is more than happy if that results in women feeling threatened.
That is not a good man.

@Myli1 ''The problem we face is that we have been conditioned as a society to believe that any naked man must automatically be suspicious and up to no good because all men are predatory''

No, this is not what happens and you missed out the critical word 'potential'. All men are potential predators. We have no idea if you are safe or not until you display non safe behaviours.

A man who disregards normal societal boundaries is displaying unsafe behaviours. His nudity in that setting is a red flag. Thats not the fault of his audience. There's nothing stopping him taking his clothes off in acceptable settings, but being acceptable to others is not why he is nude.

The problem we face is that we have been conditioned as a society to believe that any naked man must automatically be suspicious and up to no good because all men are predatory,

No. You didn't listen.

Women don't want men's nudity forced upon them unwillingly. Your intentions are irrelevant. Keep your cock covered up, thank you, unless you are in the company of people who have consented to seeing it.

Also, the 'problem' is that 98% of sexual assaults are carried out by males, and around 90% of homicides are carried out by males.

Males are the violent sex. Sort that, and then you can come and complain about how women misunderstand you.

How is it not a public decency offence?

It theoretically can be, bellini.

www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/nudity-public-guidance-handling-cases-naturism

It's the same issue as men coming into women's spaces (or women going into men's spaces). It demonstrates willingness to break social boundaries, and therefore says to the onlooker that this person is higher risk for other boundary breaking behaviour than average.

As the consequences of male boundary-breaking behaviour can have catastrophic outcomes for women, it's not at all unreasonable for women to be fearful of men who exhibit disregard for social norms like keeping your clothes on. So no OP you're not being ridiculous.