Exhibitionism

What is it?

• This is an example of a paraphillia, which is a sexual deviant behaviour.
• An act of getting sexual satisfaction by showing off genitals to strangers (flashing).
• He gets sexual excitement from the shocked reaction of their victims who are usually young women.
• There is no physical contact in this behaviour.

Exhibitionists are usually males and they are mostly insecure lonely people.

You may have heard of this common scenario. A person is caught after displaying his private parts to women. This usually happens at a park or while the victim is waiting for a bus or going to school or work. This act distresses the victims. Usually a police report will be made and the exhibitionist will be caught.

What to do when you are flashed?

• Look away
• Walk away
• Don’t show any response
• Tell your parents or teachers
• Make a police report.

When to seek help?

If you are:

• Engaged in exhibitionism.
• Having tendencies towards exhibitionism.
• A victim but have not confided to anybody about it.

Whom and where to seek help from?

• Family
• Friends
• Teachers/counselors.
• Family doctor.

Some helpful organizations are :

• Link to government agencies
  • Ministry of Health: www.myhealth.gov.my (Ask The Expert) & www.moh.gov.my
  • National Population and Family Development Board: www.lppkn.gov.my
  • Welfare Department: www.jkm.gov.my
  • Ministry of Education: www.moe.gov.my
  • Department of Islamic Development Malaysia: www.islam.gov.my
• Link to NGO’s
  • Befrienders: www.befrienders.org.my
  • Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism: www.mccbchs.bobjots.org
  • Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia: www.ppim.org.my
  • Federation of Planning Associations Malaysia: www.ffpam.org.my
  • Malaysian Medical Associations: www.mma.org.my
  • Malaysian Psychiatric Associations: www.psychiatry-malaysia.org