Non-Consensual Sexual Activities: Importance of Consent, Treatment, Prevention

  •   Tue, May 07 2024
  •   By Girish Linganna

May 7, 2024

Engaging in non-consensual sexual activities—including sexual assault, non-consensual creation and distribution of explicit content and viewing such content without consent—is both illegal and deeply harmful to society as a whole and the individuals concerned, in particular. These actions stand in violation of individual rights, cause significant psychological trauma, and are never the fault of the victim. Criminal law and societal values alike condemn such harmful behaviour. 

In some cases, individuals who perpetrate these acts may be struggling with underlying paraphilic disorders. Paraphilic disorders involve intense and recurrent sexual interest in objects, situations, or individuals that are atypical and may involve non-consenting partners, or the infliction of suffering. Examples include voyeurism, exhibitionism and frotteurism. It is crucial to note that, while these disorders can increase the risk of harmful behaviour, not all individuals with paraphilia engage in non-consensual acts. 

What Are Paraphilias?

According to the US National Library of Medicine, an institute within the US National Institutes of Health, paraphilias are sexual interests, urges, fantasies, or behaviors of marked intensity that rwecur persistently and involve atypical objects, activities, or sometimes situations. Such behavious may not be innately pathological. 

A paraphilic disorder can take root if paraphilia involves causing harm, distress, or functional impairment on the lives of those affected. The eight paraphilias listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), a book by the American Psychiatric Association, include paedophilia, voyeurism, exhibitionism, frotteurism, sexual sadism, sexual masochism, fetishism and transvestic fetishism. 

  • Voyeurism refers to the act of achieving sexual pleasure from watching others when they are in a naked state naked, or engaged in any kind of sexual activity—typically without their knowledge or consent. It can also broadly refer to an interest in spying on people engaged in intimate acts, such as undressing or other private activities, for personal gratification. In many jurisdictions, voyeurism is considered a criminal offence, especially when it involves a breach of privacy
  • Exhibitionism is the act of exposing one’s genitals, or engaging in sexually explicit behaviour in public, often to gain attention or sexual gratification from unsuspecting viewers. This behaviour is considered paraphilia and is often illegal since it involves non-consenting witnesses. In psychological contexts, exhibitionism can also refer to excessive behaviour aimed at attracting attention, not necessarily sexual in nature
  • Frotteurism is a paraphilic disorder characterized by a strong sexual urge and fantasies involving touching or rubbing against a non-consenting person. This usually occurs in crowded places, such as public transportation or crowded streets, where it is easier to avoid detection. It is considered a criminal act in many places due to its non-consensual nature 

For those with paraphilic disorders that lead to distress or harm of others, diagnosis and treatment are essential. Therapy, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help individuals understand their thought patterns, develop healthier sexual attitudes and manage harmful urges. In some instances, medication may be used alongside therapy to help reduce the intensity of sexual impulses. 

Treatment Methods

According to the US National Library of Medicine, treatment methods for paraphilias have many variations and must consider each individual’s specific needs. Such options may include individual psychotherapy, group therapy, marital or couple therapy and family therapy, as well as pharmacotherapy or even (in rare cases) surgical interventions. 

Beyond individual treatment, promoting a culture of consent is vital for preventing non-consensual sexual activities. Educational programmes should emphasise respect for bodily autonomy and the absolute necessity of consent in any sexual interaction. These programmes are beneficial for everyone in society. 

Legal systems play a crucial role in addressing, and deterring, non-consensual sexual behaviour. Laws must be robust and rigorously enforced and provide significant consequences for offenders. Additionally, it is imperative that survivors have access to comprehensive support systems—including hotlines, counselling and legal assistance. 

Ultimately, a multifaceted approach is needed to address non-consensual sexual activities. This approach should include legal consequences, psychological intervention for those with paraphilic disorders that cause harm and widespread societal change that emphasises consent and respect. By working together, we can create a safer world where individuals are protected from harm and survivors are empowered on their paths to healing.

 

 

 

(The author Girish Linganna of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)

 
By Girish Linganna
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Comment on this article

  • Prof. Dr. Zita Lobo, Mangalore

    Mon, May 13 2024

    Well written, relevant and contemporary issue. The author has highlighted an important aspect, that is respecting the space between people. Awareness of where one person's freedom ends and where the next person's liberty to give consent or NOT begins, is of pivotal importance. Families and Educational institutions should place this as an integral part of their value system and Curriculum respectively. It is of utmost importance to de-mystify the wooing by stalking taught by Indian movies. A society is enlightened only when men participate in making it a civil society. More power to men like you. May your tribe increase.


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