What is voyeurism?

What voyeurism means

Voyeurism is getting sexual pleasure from watching other people undress or have sex. A person who enjoys this is a voyeur. Its opposite is exhibitionism: enjoying being watched.

Wanting to watch is a very common fantasy, and it is the reason many people enjoy adult films. As a kink between consenting adults, it is harmless.

The line is consent. Watching people who have agreed to it is a kink; watching people who have not is a crime.

Voyeurism and the law in the UK

In England and Wales, voyeurism is a criminal offence under the Sexual Offences Act 2003: it covers watching, recording or setting up equipment to watch someone doing a private act without their consent, for sexual gratification. Scotland has similar laws.

"Upskirting", taking photos under someone's clothing without consent, became a specific offence in 2019. Sharing intimate images without consent is also a crime.

These offences can lead to prison and being placed on the sex offenders register. Our guide Is it legal in the UK? covers the wider rules.

Exploring voyeurism consensually

Couples often explore it by one partner watching the other undress or masturbate, or watching each other with mirrors. Some enjoy watching at swinger clubs or sex parties, where people agree to be seen.

At those venues, the rules are usually: look but do not touch unless invited, and never film or take photos. See our guides to swinger clubs and sex parties.

Cuckolding, where one partner watches the other with someone else, is a related fantasy; see What is a cuckold?.

Staying on the right side of the line

Always get clear, enthusiastic consent from everyone involved, and never record anyone without their explicit agreement.

If the urge to watch people without consent feels hard to control, confidential help is available, for example from Stop It Now on 0808 1000 900.

Our guide to consent and boundaries explains how to talk about kinks with a partner.