Indecent Exposure
What is Indecent Exposure?
Definition
Indecent exposure is the deliberate act of exposing private parts of the body in an offensive manner, in a public space. People of all genders and bodies can be victims of indecent exposure and can be perpetrators of indecent exposure. Indecent exposure can occur in class, at the library, or on the streets of Peterborough. You need to have consent before exposing and sharing your intimate body parts with others. This DOES NOT include breastfeeding parents.
What to Look For
The signs that someone is committing indecent exposure is that a person exposes their private body parts and is doing so intentionally. This exposure is done in a public space in which many bystanders are present. Indecent exposure can happen on the street, in the workplace, or in class.
Ways to Prevent and Intervene
- Respect people's boundaries
- Respect when someone says their boundaries are not being respected
- Ask for permission
- If you see someone harassing another person, intervene when safe to do so before it escalates
- If you have experienced indecent exposure document as much information about the perpetrator, the location, and what happened to ensure authorities are able to thoroughly investigate the issue
- If you know somebody who has witnessed indecent exposure, assist them in reporting the issue to authorities and accessing supportive services