SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR VICTIMS OF INDECENT EXPOSURE

Did you know that if someone exposes themselves to you, there’s a protective order to help you and others in the future?

Indecent exposure, also known as ‘flashing’ or simply ‘exposure’, is a serious offence. This is where someone exposes themselves to cause distress.

As a result, we can apply for Sexual Risk Orders (SROs) and Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs) on your behalf if you’ve experienced this. For many who have experienced this, it’s a hugely uncomfortable, frightening and violating experience.

It is also a sign that a person’s behaviour or offending may escalate, so preventing this happening and intervening early is massively important.

Sexual Risk Orders (SROs)

Sexual Risk Orders are designed to protect the public from sexual harm and we can apply for these without a conviction.

They are used when someone has committed an act of a sexual nature and they are deemed by the court to pose a risk to the public. This includes behaviour such as indecent exposure, even if it hasn’t led to a criminal charge.

Certain restrictions, tailored to the person and specific risk posed, will be included in the order. These can cover a wide range of things from contacting specific people, use of the internet and travelling abroad.

These orders last for a minimum of two years unless there is reason to discharge this beforehand. These don’t automatically place someone on the Sex Offenders Register as they can be applied without conviction. However, it means the person subject to this must provide us with their name, address and any changes to these. It may also be disclosed as part of any enhanced DBS checks.

Breaching an SRO is a crime and could result in up to five years in prison.

Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs)

Sexual Harm Prevention Orders are usually imposed by the courts following conviction of a sexual offence – including for indecent exposure.

They are designed to protect our communities from further sexual harm. Certain restrictions will be placed on the offender as a result of the order, including on internet use, limiting contact with certain people or travelling. The conditions are often tailored around the specific risk that person presents.

Anyone subject to a SHPO must register with the police following conviction or release. They must provide their personal details and update us about any changes to these.

They then must follow the restrictions set out in the order – which can last anywhere from 2 years to life, depending on the sentence.

Where a SHPO is granted on conviction, it is likely that the person will also be placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

However, there are certain cases where a SHPO is granted without conviction. In this case, the person will not automatically be placed on the register.

Speak to us

Detective Chief Inspector Laura Sanders, who leads the force’s Rape and Serious Sexual Assault (RASSO) team, said: “These orders are vital and, when imposed, are hugely helpful in terms of preventing further harm and having tougher consequences for anyone who breaches their conditions.

“We really encourage anyone who has experienced indecent exposure to speak to us. This kind of behaviour is really important to intercept as they can lead to more serious offences, so by telling us as soon as something like this happens, we can work on getting the right measures in place.

“We are there to listen, direct you to the right support and work to get the best result for you. This could be pressing for a conviction – but even without a conviction, we can work with the courts to apply for these orders where it is reasonable to believe the person’s behaviour presents a risk. If you’re not ready to speak to us, that’s ok. A range of support is out there to help you through this.”

If you do feel ready to report, you can contact us through the following: