The key points
- Indecent exposure is a really common experience amongst women and girls – in England and Wales, more than 1 in 8 women have experienced indecent exposure since the age of 16.
- People sometimes dismiss indecent exposure as something 'funny'. But it's in fact a form of sexual violence and a serious crime that can lead to imprisonment.
- Not only is indecent exposure a serious crime, but it strengthens the idea in our society that women and girls are little more than objects that exist for men's sexual pleasure. (This is part of what we call 'rape culture'.)
- Indecent exposure is often very upsetting or scary for the person who experiences it. It can make them feel unsafe and have a long-term impact on their wellbeing.
- It can happen anywhere and at any time of the day or night. When it happens online, it's known as 'cyber flashing'.
If you've experienced indecent exposure or are feeling confused, you can talk to us.
At Rape Crisis, we will always take your experience seriously.
What is the legal definition of indecent exposure?
Indecent exposure is known simply as 'exposure' in English and Welsh law. The legal definition of exposure in England and Wales is when someone deliberately shows their genitals in order to cause another person alarm or distress.
The Sexual Offences Act 2003 says that someone commits the offence of exposure if all of the following happens:
- They intentionally expose their genitals, and
- They intend that someone will see them and be caused alarm or distress.
This includes if:
- No one actually saw their exposed genitals.
- Another person saw their exposed genitals, but wasn't alarmed or distressed.
Someone who commits exposure can be sentenced for up to two years in prison.
Although the legal name for this crime offence is 'exposure', the term 'indecent exposure' is widely used – including by police and lawyers.
Does indecent exposure lead to other crimes?
People who carry out indecent exposure can go on to commit other sexual offences. This includes sexual offences that involve physical contact, such as sexual assault and rape.
A 2014 academic review of evidence found that:
- 1 in 4 people who carry out indecent exposure go on to do it again.
- Between 5% (1 in 20) and 10% (1 in 10) of people who carry out indecent exposure go on to commit a sexual offence involving physical contact.
The Angiolini Inquiry, which was set up to investigate how a police officer was able to abduct, rape and murder Sarah Everard, found that indecent exposure "may indicate a potential trajectory towards even more serious sexual and violent offending".
It concluded that all reports of indecent exposure "must be thoroughly and comprehensively investigated" by the police.
❗ However, someone who has experienced indecent exposure should never feel pressured to report it to the police. Reporting is 100% their decision and they should only do what feels right for them.
Why is indecent exposure sometimes called flashing?
Some people who carry out indecent exposure show their genitals very quickly before covering them up or running away – which is where the term ‘flashing’ comes from.
They do this to confuse or shock people, or to avoid getting caught.
However, other people who carry out indecent exposure show their genitals for longer and/or masturbate at the same time.
No matter how long it lasts, indecent exposure is always a crime.
You can contact our free 24/7 Support Line by calling 0808 500 2222 or visiting the website to start an online chat.