Defining paraphilia…
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Paraphilia is a generic term that covers a number of unusual sexual stimulants and practices, categorised according to evolving social norms. In addition to many of these behaviours being ‘deviant’ according to social norms, they are usually characterised by their repetitive nature and the suffering they cause, not to mention the legal penalties some of these practices can incur...
What exactly is paraphilia?
Paraphilia denotes what the average or more traditional person would classically call perversions, and which cover sexual attractions that differ from traditional heterosexual practices or sexual behaviour that's considered as ‘normal’.
Since around 1980, homosexuality and bisexuality are no longer considered as paraphilia, according to psychologists and psychiatrists (notably in the bible of mental health, the ‘Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - DSM-IV').
Paraphilia is defined as, “abnormal fantasies, impulses or behaviour that go on for a minimum of six months and which are at the heart of significant clinical mental problems, or a change in social, professional or other mental functioning.
As such, fantasies or a single paraphilic attraction would not usually be condemned by modern society. However, certain acts are condemned across most societies and rightly so. If the practice involves another person against their will (rape), children (paedophilia) or indecent exposure, it then becomes a question for the law – and sexual criminality incurs heavy penalties. For more information, see the UK Sexual Offenses Act 2003
10 sexual practices under the paraphilia banner
Bondage: This practice involves tying up the other person, preventing them from moving by restraining them with ropes, straps or chains which can be simply arranged or intricately put together.
Exhibitionism: This term refers to gaining pleasure from exposing one’s genitals to members of the public or taking part in a public sexual encounter. Both of these practices are illegal when in a public place. In the UK, the 2003 Sexual Offenses Act classifies such activities as public exposure, which can result in a prison sentence of up to 2 years.
Fetishism: This describes becoming sexually excited by particular inanimate objects or groups of objects. This can be anything from latex, to women’s underwear, to stilettos, leather, lace or fur.
Frotteurism: This is the act of touching or rubbing against a person without their consent. This act can be considered as sexual assault in the UK, and depending on the severity, could result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Masochism or sexual sadism: This is when a person becomes sexually aroused through suffering or the infliction of pain or humiliation.
Paedophilia: This is the sexual attraction to children, with behaviours ranging from collecting sexually oriented pictures of children, though to the rape of children under the age of consent. Sexual activities by adults with children are both socially unacceptable and heavily punished in the UK. Under the UK 2003 Sexual Offenses Act, a paedophile (or incestuous adult) who has sexually abused a child can risk up to 14 years of prison and if the rape of a child is proven, a life sentence is possible. Unfortunately, each year thousands of children suffer sexual abuse at the hands of adults.
Transvestism: Also known as cross-dressing, this describes a heterosexual man’s impulse to dress more or less completely as a woman and to imagine himself as one. This tendency can simply be a fantasy or might hide a deeper problem with his sexual identity.
Voyeurism: This describes gaining sexual pleasure from watching others during their intimate relations, or while they are naked or in the middle of undressing. This is illegal if the person who is being watched is unaware of it and in the UK, being a ‘Peeping Tom’ can result in up to 2 years of prison.
Zoophilia: Also known as bestiality, this is a sexual attraction to animals, which may result in a sexual act with an animal. In many countries this is considered a crime, including the UK where a person found guilty of a sexual act with animal may find himself or herself with a 2-year prison sentence.
In total, and according to differing social norms and customs, there are between 350-500 listed paraphilia.
For the most part we are free to express our sexuality as we please in the privacy of our own homes and with consenting adult partners. But in the UK, when sexual arousal and practice moves into the areas of non-consent, or under-age or non-human sexual partners, then the practice can shift from ‘deviant’ to ‘criminal’ and is punished as such.
Louis Asana, Jane Banham
More information:
Obsessed by sexual performance?
Spotlight on sexual addiction
Couples discussions
