Since 1974, when Michael O’Brien ran naked (wearing only his sneakers) across the British Cricket Field, streaking has become a somewhat innocent although startling behavior.
But when does nudity through “streaking” cross the line from funny antics, to potential sexual deviants?
A reporter contacted me yesterday to talk about a known offender who is a homeless, alcoholic that has a tendency for exposing himself to kids in the community. The hot button question was whether this guy poses a significant risk to the safety of kids in the community. My answer… “Perhaps.”
I know. I know. Wouldn’t it be great if I could say with the utmost certainty “YES! He is a danger to kids and will continue to expose himself, using this behavior to fuel his sexual fantasy’s towards young children, gradually gaining more confidence until he will ultimately abuse a child, and therefore he should be sent to jail and locked away for good.”
But, I can’t say that, and nor should anyone else. We don’t know what he is capable of. Some people expose themselves for shock (streakers), some for control, some for sexual deviance. Which category this guy falls into is up to the Psychologists to decide, which by the way, one is ordered to do an assessment on him through the courts.
What I pressed the reporter to write about and encourage in his story, isn’t the fact that there is a creep in the community – everyone know that! This guy is a well known, creepy, bum in a small town. But rather to impress on his readers to report any incident that involves this or any other person that exposes himself to kids or adults. Yes, adults too!
If any of you have been “flashed” before, as an adult, it is easy to convince yourself to just ignore the behavior, and tell your friends about the weird experience. And it usually ends there. Don’t let it. Be sure to report the incident to the police. It won’t take much of your time, and won’t be wasting theirs. I promise. What you may be doing, when reporting, is adding an important piece of a puzzle to an ongoing investigation.
Did you know:
In Canada, unless the police “catch him exposing himself” or in police lingo “he is found in the commission of the offence” they won’t arrest him. Indecent Exposure is a Summary conviction offence, which limits police arrest authority. So don’t be disappointed when he isn’t dragged off in handcuffs. Instead they will give him an Appearance Notice that compels him to go to court, and use you as a witness. So he is charged, just not arrested.
Comments