Legal Definitions - voyeurism

Voyeurism refers to the act of secretly observing another person's private parts or sexual activities for personal sexual gratification. This act is typically done without the observed person's knowledge or consent, thereby invading their privacy.

Here are some examples illustrating voyeurism:

• Example 1: Hidden Camera in a Private Space

  A gym employee places a small, hidden camera in the women's locker room, specifically positioning it to record individuals as they are changing or showering. The employee later reviews these recordings for personal sexual gratification.

  This scenario demonstrates voyeurism because the employee is secretly observing individuals in a private setting where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, without their knowledge or consent, and for the purpose of sexual gratification.

• Example 2: Peering into a Residence

  A person repeatedly looks through the bedroom window of their neighbor's house late at night, hoping to see them undressing or engaging in intimate activities. The neighbor is unaware of being watched.

  This illustrates voyeurism as the individual is secretly observing another person in a private space (their home) with the intent of gaining sexual gratification from seeing them in a private or intimate state, all without the neighbor's consent or knowledge.

• Example 3: Using Technology for Surveillance

  An individual flies a drone equipped with a high-resolution camera close to the windows of apartments in a high-rise building, specifically attempting to capture images or video of residents in their private moments, such as dressing or engaging in sexual acts, for personal sexual arousal.

  This is an example of voyeurism because the individual is using technology to secretly observe others in their private residences, where they expect privacy, with the explicit aim of deriving sexual gratification from these unauthorized observations.