Indecent Exposure - UK stats

[ArabellaScott]

Talking about indecent exposure on another thread. Thought I'd do a bit of digging for stats:

www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/sexualoffencesprevalenceandtrendsenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2020

'Following fluctuations in the prevalence over the last 15 years, the latest estimate was significantly lower compared with the year ending March 2019 (2.4%); the decrease was largely driven by reductions in indecent exposure or unwanted sexual touching.'

'One of the strengths of the CSEW is that it covers many crimes that are not reported to the police. Under-reporting to the police is particularly acute for sexual assaults, with many more offences committed than are reported to and recorded by the police. The CSEW provides reliable estimates of the prevalence of sexual assault using a consistent methodology that is not affected by changes in recording practices and police activity, or by changes in the propensity of victims to report to the police.'

Article on IE: www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/oct/01/police-log-10000-indecent-exposure-cases-but-fewer-than-600-reach-court

'Police recorded 10,775 cases of “exposure and voyeurism” in the year to March 2020, the ONS shows, while just 594 suspects were taken to court, resulting in 435 guilty verdicts'

'Dr Fiona Vera-Gray, an assistant professor at the department of sociology at Durham University and an expert on sexual violence and harassment, said ONS statistics – showing at least one in 10 women aged 16 to 74 said they had been a victim of indecent exposure since turning 16 – were likely to be an underestimate'

So around a 5% prosecution rate.

Which puts a cork in 'If something happens you can always report it'. And adds to the explanation women keep giving, that sex crimes against them are so very unsuccessfully responded to or consequenced that sex offenders will inevitably form a part of the males sent to happily wander in and out of women's spaces at will, without any kind of known record.

And that we know of course that such offenses are happening such as at WiSpa and the male perpetrator now has all kinds of interesting protections that prevent women and girls getting to do anything inconvient, like protest or name the behaviour for what it is.

I can understand it being a really difficult crime to prosecute. Things like WiSpa, Canadian teacher, and the Canadian swimming pool story seem to suggest it's in danger of becoming virtually impossible to prosecute.

When I went to university, I saw probably about five or six exhibitionists in the first year alone. They tended to congregate around areas where young women were likely to be, but also at railway stations, bus stations, in parks and so on.

Not sure what it is when someone masturbates while looking at you (from outside, through a window) having lunch in a cafe? Happened to me then, too.

When any male now has a cast iron excuse to be naked in a women's space, and anyone having boundaries is doing a transphobia, yes, it's going to be impossible to prosecute. In other news for the interests of our political leaders, rain is wet. And we told you so.

voyeurism. Sorry to hear about that, how utterly grim.

@ArabellaScott

voyeurism. Sorry to hear about that, how utterly grim.

That's right, though I didn't realise that voyeurism includes that active part!

Thank you for the information and the empathy.