Exhibitionism

Exhibitionism involves the exposure of one's genitals inappropriately to unsuspecting strangers in socially unacceptable circumstances. This paraphilia is also known as "indecent exposure" and "flashing". It is common almost exclusively to males, the peak age of which being about twenty. The male usually exposes himself to female strangers in public places like parks, bus stops and schoolyards.

Many exhibitionists are let to this compulsive behaviour due to erectile problems they come across in other forms of sexual activity. It is also thought that exhibitionism that is followed by masturbation, is used as a stress reducer. Also exhibitionism can be carried out as a need of affirmation by a person with low self esteem. The exhibitionost usually exposes his genitals to shock and degrade the victim but it is unlikely that the exhibitionist would rape or assault his victim. By shocking the victim, the sense of power needed for fulfillment is achieved. The reaction of the female victim is important for the exhibitionist as pleasure is derived from this. An exhibitionist may rape his victims or runaway if he is unsatisfied with the reaction, or if it isn't what he expected.

Police catch more exhibitionists than any other paraphilias, the main reason being that sexual pleasure is enhanced by the risk of being caught which leads the exhibitionist to go to the same venue to perform this behaviour.

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