A peeping Tom is someone who engages in “voyeurism.” This behavior is classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, as a sexual disorder. Voyeuristic disorder is characterized by intense sexual arousal from observing others without consent. It lasts at least six months and causes significant distress to the victim.
A 1976 study found that most voyeurs are young, lower-class men, prone to minor crimes, who were “late bloomers” socially and sexually. The peeping Tom can be a stranger or a familiar neighbor living right next door to you.
The Basic Types of Peeping Toms
Voyeurs are motivated by different factors, but law enforcement often categorizes them by motivation, behavior, and context. Here are the six basic types:
- Classic Sexual Voyeurs – These individuals are sexually aroused by secretly observing people engaged in sexual activity or using the bathroom. Generally, they are considered the most dangerous.
- Thrill-Seeker Voyeurs – The offenders are motivated by taking a risk, seeking an adrenaline rush at the idea of being caught more than by being sexually aroused.
- Exhibition-Associated Voyeurs– These perpetrators combine voyeurism with exhibitionism. They may observe someone and attempt to get a reaction from them by occasionally revealing themselves, leaving notes or objects, or sexually exposing themselves.
- Technological Voyeurs (“Cyber Peeping Toms”) – The techie voyeurs use cameras, drones, spyware, and “upskirting” apps to look up women’s dresses. This type of voyeurism is increasingly being criminalized.
- Situational or Opportunistic Voyeurs – These individuals offend only under certain circumstances, such as when they are temporarily curious, under peer influence, or intoxicated. They’re less likely to be repeat offenders, and the behavior may be mild or nonsexual.
- Pathological/Compulsive Voyeurs – These offenders engage in chronic, compulsive voyeurism associated with psychiatric disorders and are unable to stop even though they’re often aware it’s wrong. They may not be deterred by surveillance equipment.
A 2023 study also found that the offender sometimes seeks connection with others when feeling isolated. This type of offender is usually guilty of multiple offenses.
Escalation of Voyeuristic Activity
Whenever the peeping Tom’s actions escalate, it is a red flag that you could be in danger. For example, if they move from the yard to the window, get closer over time, try to make contact, begin leaving messages or objects, or attempt entry. If they’re testing your boundaries, it may progress unless stopped.
It’s best not to confront a peeping Tom, but you can protect yourself by fortifying your property with several kinds of equipment:
- General Lighting: Peeping Toms shy away from good porch and patio lighting that illuminates the entire front and back yards. Most don’t want to be seen!
- Motion-activated flood lights – Light motion sensors surprise and intimidate peeping Toms.
- Full Window Coverage: You should keep your drapes, mini-blinds, or blackout shades closed; however, if there’s still a tiny open gap between the blinds and the wall, and you live on the ground floor, a peeping Tom can still observe you. To remedy this, you can install:
- Light blocking strips – These strips adhere along the edges of windows or French doors.
- Privacy window film – Adheres directly to glass to obscure sightlines, night and day.
- Barking Dog Alarms – Having a dog always discourages a peeping Tom, but if you don’t own one, you have the next best thing: a device with virtual barking.
- Cameras – Several very effective cameras take photographs, record color video, and give real-time alerts. Controlled by a phone app, these devices let you view live feeds, speak to the offender, or set off a shrill alarm that alerts neighbors. The reasonably priced Wyze Battery Cam Pro Wireless Camera notifies you whenever a human is present.
Local police emphasize that getting a recorded image of a peeping Tom is paramount.
They’re aware of known sexual offenders or peeping Toms in the area, and having an image or video can allow them to make a match. When offenders see that you have surveillance equipment, they’ll often be discouraged from bothering you further.
Most importantly, dial 9-1-1 if you know an event is actually occurring and document each occurrence with the police department.
If you believe you’re being targeted by a peeping Tom, report it to authorities, alert neighbors, and equip yourself with all the wonderful resources available in this article. Hopefully, you can stop the activity, and the individual will be arrested.
Don’t be a victim any longer!
Featured image via Min An on Pexels
The profile of the ‘late bloomer’ neighbor described here is truly unsettling, especially knowing this behavior causes such distress. Dealing with voyeurs effectively really forces you to think about home security strategically. It’s almost like the mindset needed in games like PokePath — you have to constantly identify weak points in your perimeter and upgrade your defenses before an intruder finds a way in
You’re absolutely right about being on top of defenses. It’s an ongoing effort. Thank you for your reply!
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