Frotteurism and exhibitionism: an updated examination of their prevalence, impact on victims, and frequency of reporting

Abstract

ABSTRACT Public awareness campaigns and the #MeToo movement aimed to change the incidence and reporting of sexual violence, although their impact on behaviours such as frotteurism and exhibitionism is unknown. Following up on the findings of a previous study, this study used a self-report survey of college students (N = 580) in a major city to examine whether rates of frotteuristic and exhibitionistic acts had changed following these recent events. The results showed that the prevalence of these acts as reported by victims remains high – 38% of the current sample reported at least one incident compared to 44% of the sample in the original study. Women continue to be victimised at higher rates than men and report more long-term negative consequences associated with victimisation. Reporting to others, including the police, has not increased. These findings suggest that public awareness campaigns and survivor-led social movements may have had some impact on the incidence of sexual violence but may not have influenced the reporting of frotteuristic or exhibitionistic acts. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT Findings from this study suggest that prevalence of frotteuristic and exhibitionistic behaviour remains high and that these behaviours are impactful, particularly for female victims, but are under-reported to authorities. Increasing reporting is a priority; however, this needs to be paired with training for first respondents so that those who report behaviours receive appropriate support.