Lured into a friendship with a stranger who complements you, physically and mentally, put into danger. Come-ons. You become willing to meet them somewhere out of the way. Enticed. Lured and lulled. Emotional play. Share fantasies, then act on them.
A “vigilante” against (child) porn exposes him/herself of liability for entrapment of possession of child porn.
Loners with a history of behavioral problems are most susceptible to falling into a predator’s trap.
Web content that’s never deleted (or emails) can come back to haunt you years down the road.
Internet use can isolate kids and people instead of linking them to the world. People can be harassed or become so engrossed that they are practically swallowed up by their computers.
Obsessive/compulsive disorder
Can become isolated and depressed
Grades and work suffer
Personality changes
Develop eating disorders (don’t eat properly)
Fail to develop real-world social skills
Online roleplaying can turn people into habitual liars
Info about why you got dumped can be on the internet for the whole world to see
You can experience uncomfortable things online
The web has dark corners
Hours spent online trolling for casual conversations do not make relationships. Social benefits do not exist. Certain people become too isolated. (shy or overweight or “ugly”)
Energy is depleted by their online world of fantasy, avatars, and gaming.
Nasty, aggressive messages are cyberbullying
Horrible messages, taunted, tormented; told not to tell anyone. Cases of extortion – bring money (to school) or I’ll beat you up
Emotional ramifications are real
Some victims avoid (school), become depressed or even suicidal
Relentless online marketing convinces kids to give out personal info for promise of prizes
When we teach situational liars who give phony names and false info to protect their ids, do they know when they’re lying and when they’re not?
Kids learn they can engage in high risk activities online, remain anonymouse and have no consequences
White supremacist sites
Seductive photo sites
Kids 11 – 14 have no impulse control and are emotionally unprepared
Virtual sex chats IM or email about having sex with each other. They start feeling they know each other better than they do. When they actually meet after sharing intimate details of their lives, the physical relationship may progress much more quickly than it would have otherwise.
They know how to find and manipulate information
Through a Glass Darkly: Technology is unintentionally aiding creeps.
Voyeur Victims
New technology changes one Sonoma family's life forever
By R. V. Scheide
Last October, Michael Heintz picked up a recently purchased digital camera and crept out into the Santa Rosa night. He stood outside his 15-year-old stepdaughter's bedroom window and waited for her to undress. For motives he claims he doesn't understand, he began snapping pictures of the naked teenager.
During the course of the next month, Heintz made 122 clandestine digital photographs of his stepdaughter in various states of undress, including extreme close-ups of her body. He downloaded the pictures into a file that he titled "Covert2" on his laptop computer. In late November of last year, his stepdaughter accidentally discovered the nude photos of herself, and the lives of this family were changed forever.
Heintz, 41, the former operations manager at the Summerfield Waldorf School in Santa Rosa, currently resides in the Sonoma County Jail, convicted on misdemeanor charges of child pornography and invasion of privacy. In addition to the photographs of his stepdaughter, police also found child pornography downloaded from the Internet on his computer.
His stepdaughter, whose name is protected due to her age, now reportedly suffers from disorders ranging from delayed stress syndrome to anorexia. Her mother, who wishes to simply be known as Kathy, suffers from similar stress-related disorders and wonders how the man she knew for 13 years and with whom she had a son could turn their world so upside down.
"I remember spinning around," says Kathy, 38, recalling the incident recently at an outdoor cafe in Sonoma, where she currently rents a home. "No! This can't be real, this can't be true!"
But the virtual images turned out to be all too real, and she's been spinning ever since, trying to reconcile progressive sensibilities about crime and punishment with her own desire for justice for her family.
"I didn't want jail time at first," she says of Heintz's sentencing. She'd heard about a special halfway house near San Diego. "I wanted a live-in program. This was somebody I loved very dearly. I didn't wish for anyone to go to jail."
In April, Heintz, who has no previous criminal record, pleaded guilty to four of the 22 misdemeanor counts of possessing child pornography and invasion of privacy lodged against him. In exchange, the Sonoma County district attorney reduced his jail sentence from one year to six months. With time off for good behavior, Heintz, who declined to be interviewed for this article, could serve as little as four months.
Now that justice has run its course, Kathy has changed her tune.
She feels let down by the legal system and thinks Heintz should have gotten a much stiffer sentence. "The way they chose to prosecute him was mild, the plea bargain was a joke." she says. "I thought the whole thing was a farce, in a way."
In addition to jail time, Heintz was sentenced to three years probation and required to register as a sex offender with the appropriate local authorities for the rest of his life as long as he remains a California resident. How much punishment would be enough?
"It depends on how you look at," says Santa Rosa attorney Stephen Gallenson, who defended Heintz in court. "I know Michael and I don't think he would ever do this again. But from the perspective of breaking Kathy's trust, you could give him 10 years and it still wouldn't be enough for her."
For Kathy, the sense of betrayal was deepened by the fact that for the past four years, she's been studying the growing worldwide phenomenon of child trafficking and sexual exploitation at the California Institute for Integrative Studies, where she's completing a doctorate in psychology. For her final project for her BA, she traveled to the Philippines, Cambodia, Thailand, India and Nepal in 2002 to research child prostitution firsthand.
That same year, she wrote a research paper titled "A Historical and Cross-Cultural Look at the Long-Standing Existence of Adult-Child Sexual Practices and the Current Polemics Surrounding Pedophelia." As she notes in the report: "[T]he sexual exploitation of children has alarmingly escalated with the advent of the Internet. Today, in a world that knows no boundaries, millions of children are victims of child pornography and child trafficking."
Waiting outside his stepdaughter's bedroom window last October, Michael Heintz was fully aware of child pornography's alarming escalation. He'd edited many of Kathy's papers, including the report cited above. He grasped the new digital camera, cool and compact in his hand, and allowed his boundaries to expand.
We are getting a lot of computer stuff," says Detective John Schnetzinger of the Santa Rosa Police Department's sex crime unit, who investigated the Heintz case but could not comment specifically on it. "We know that people who molest children also like child pornography. The digital age is upon us."
The legal system is having a hard time keeping pace with the digital age. Nowhere is this more clear than in the realm of erotica--witness the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision to ban enforcement of 1998's Child Online Protection Act, which would have forced web-porn purveyors to limit access to minors, because such limitations probably violate the First Amendment rights of adults.
Today, sex and tech are meshing on levels that are both enlightening and frightening, as the culture grows more free but also provides ready access to depictions of deviancies ranging from bestiality to pedophilia and beyond. Terms such as "up-skirting," which refers to using a hidden digital camera or camcorder to secretly photograph underneath the clothing of unwitting female subjects, then uploading the images to the web, have entered the popular lexicon. Voyeurism has come out of the closet--and into courtrooms ill-prepared to deal with it.
"Today's video voyeur may be little more than the next generation of yesterday's peeping Tom," notes legal scholar Lance E. Rothenberg in a 2001 American University Law Review article on rethinking privacy rights in the digital age. "Video voyeurism, however, is a far more intrusive and disturbing wrong than mere window peeping. Modern electronics have transformed the deviant, usually solitary, act of peeping into a booming and perverse online industry."
Many states, California included, have responded to such phenomenon as up-skirting with legislation that recognizes the potentially pervasive aspects of new technology. In 2002 California modified its existing violation of privacy statute with new language stating that anyone using a camera or camcorder to secretly "shoot under or through the clothing of an individual . . . with the intent to arouse, appeal to or gratify the lust, passions or sexual desires" is guilty of violating that person's privacy, a misdemeanor. A previous change to the statute recognized the growing popularity of digital cameras and camcorders, prohibiting their use on unsuspecting victims in public places where a "reasonable expectation of privacy" exists.
Heintz pled guilty to two counts of this latter modified statute, which makes no mention of the perpetrator's intent. In fact, according to two psychiatrists who examined Heintz before his sentencing hearing this April, Heintz claims not to have understood his intentions when he took the photos of his stepdaughter. As defense attorney Gallenson notes in the defendant's sentencing brief: "[The prosecution's examining psychiatrist, Dr. Donald Apostle,] notes a strong tone of denial running through the interview regarding the sexuality of the photographs but also notes that Mr. Heintz has been in therapy trying to ascertain his motivations."
Dr. Apostle, Gallenson said, had found that Heintz was not a pedophile, but a "voyeur," stating that "voyeurs are very passive people who do not physically attack and are no physical danger to the victim." For that reason, Gallenson argued that his client should not be subject to a long incarceration.
"It is suggested that a lengthy jail sentence will do nothing to let this defendant know and completely understand the impact he has had on his [family]," Gallenson argued. "This is because jail is impersonal and the pain that has been caused in this case is anything but impersonal."
There was another option, Gallenson suggested. "What would be more appropriate in this case is for the defendant to be required to sit before his family on a regular basis, in a neutral setting with a therapist involved, to hear from the them, the ones that he loves, how they have been effected by his actions."
This suggestion didn't go over well with Kathy or her daughter, who hasn't spoken to Heintz since discovering the photos.
"I was floored!" Kathy recalls. "We were presented with this just before the sentencing. It was an insult."
If Heintz had attempted to distribute the pictures of his stepdaughter on the Internet, he could have been charged with felony child pornography. He pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing child pornography, which is punishable as a misdemeanor on the first offense. Kathy thinks state law should be changed so that possession of child pornography is a felony on the first offense. She supports a wide-ranging ballot initiative, the Sexual Predator Punishment and Megan's Law Expansion Act, currently circulating throughout the state. If the initiative qualifies for the ballot and is approved by voters, it would, among other things, make possession of child pornography a felony in California.
In addition to six months in jail, three years of probation and having to register as a sex offender in the state of California for the rest of his life, Heintz is prohibited from working as a teacher and is not allowed to be alone around children. He is subject to regular polygraph examinations during his probation and must undergo therapy at his own expense. Communication with his stepdaughter is forbidden and he currently has only supervised visitation rights with his son.
There's no doubt that Michael Heintz has lost a lot. "He was charged with the best we could charge him with," says Sonoma County deputy district attorney Phil Abrahams. "He got a reasonable sentence."
Kathy disagrees. She intellectualized her pain at first, holding it at bay. But her ex-partner's continued denial of the crime's sexuality, the reduced jail sentence, the knowledge that convicted sex offenders in California have to register with law enforcement authorities but are not required to, say, notify new neighbors of their criminal past all continue to eat away at her. Heintz didn't physically touch anyone, but Kathy feels like she and her whole family have been molested.
"He's not a violent person, but I know from experience that he doesn't know his own boundaries," she says. "I want his neighborhood to know, so they can close their shutters."
For more information on the Sexual Predator Punishment and Megan's Law Expansion Act, visit www.projectkidsafe.org.
[ North Bay | Metroactive Central | Archives ]
From the July 14-20, 2004 issue of the North Bay Bohemian.
Copyright © Metro Publishing Inc. Maintained by Boulevards New Media.
Definition
Voyeurism is a psychosexual disorder in which a person derives sexual pleasure and gratification from looking at the naked bodies and genital organs or observing the sexual acts of others. The voyeur is usually hidden from view of others. Voyeurism is a form of paraphilia.
A variant form of voyeurism involves listening to erotic conversations. This is commonly referred to as telephone sex, although it is usually considered voyeurism primarily in the instance of listening to unsuspecting persons.
Description
The object of voyeurism is to observe unsuspecting individuals who are naked, in the process of undressing or engaging in sexual acts. The person being observed is usually a stranger to the observer. The act of looking or peeping is undertaken for the purpose of achieving sexual excitement. The observer generally does not seek to have sexual contact or activity with the person being observed.
If orgasm is sought, it is usually achieved through masturbation. This may occur during the act of observation or later, relying on the memory of the act that was observed.
Frequently, a voyeur may have a fantasy of engaging in sexual activity with the person being observed. In reality, this fantasy is rarely consummated.
A number of states have statutes that render voyeurism a crime. Such statutes vary widely regarding definitions of voyeurism. Most states specifically prohibit anyone from photographing or videotaping another person, without consent, while observing that person in the privacy of his home or some other private place.
Causes and symptoms
Causes
There is no scientific consensus concerning the basis for voyeurism. Most experts attribute the behavior to an initially random or accidental observation of an unsuspecting person who is naked, in the process of disrobing, or engaging in sexual activity. Successive repetitions of the act tend to reinforce and perpetuate the voyeuristic behavior.
Symptoms
The act of voyeurism is the observation of an unsuspecting person who is naked, in the process of disrobing, or engaging in sexual activity that provides sexual arousal. To be clinically diagnosed, the symptoms must include the following elements:
• recurrent, intense or sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors
• fantasies, urges, or behaviors that cause significant distress to an individual or are disruptive of his or her everyday functioning.
Demographics
Voyeurism is apparently more common in men, but does occasionally occur in women. However, the prevalence of voyeurism is not known. Contemporary U.S. society is increasingly voyeuristic (as in the example of "real" television); however diagnosis is made only when this is a preferred or exclusive means of sexual gratification.
The onset of voyeuristic activity is usually prior to the age of 15 years. There are no reliable statistics pertaining to the incidence of voyeurism in adulthood.
Diagnosis
According to the mental health professional's handbook, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, two criteria are required to make a diagnosis of voyeurism:
• Over a period of at least six months, an individual must experience recurrent, intense, sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors that involve the act of observing an unsuspecting person who is naked, in the process of disrobing, or engaging in sexual activity.
• The fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
In order for a condition to be labeled "voyeurism," the fantasies, urges, or behaviors to watch other persons must cause significant distress in the individual or be disruptive to his or her everyday functioning.
Treatments
For treatment to be successful, a voyeur must want to modify existing patterns of behavior. This initial step is difficult for most voyeurs to admit and then take. Most must be compelled to accept treatment. This may often be the result of a court order.
Behavioral therapy is commonly used to try to treat voyeurism. The voyeur must learn to control the impulse to watch non-consenting victims, and just as importanly to acquire more acceptable means of sexual gratification. Outcomes of behavioral therapy are not known. There are no direct drug treatments for voyeurism.
Voyeurism is a criminal act in many jurisdictions. It is usually classified as a misdemeanor. As a result, legal penalties are often minor. The possibility of exposure and embarrassment may deter some voyeurs. It is also not easy to prosecute voyeurs as intent to watch is difficult to prove. In their defense statements, they usually claim that the observation was accidental.
Prognosis
Once voyeuristic activity is undertaken, it commonly does not stop. Over time, it may become the main form of sexual gratification for the voyeur. Its course tends to be chronic.
The prognosis for eliminating voyeurism is poor because most voyeurs have no desire to change their pattern of behavior. Since voyeurism involves non-consenting partners and is against the law in many jurisdictions, the possibility of embarrassment may deter some individuals.
Prevention
Most experts agree that providing guidance regarding behavior that is culturally acceptable will prevent the development of a paraphilia such as voyeurism. The origin of some instances of voyeurism may be accidental observation with subsequent sexual gratification. There is no way to predict when such an event and association will occur.
Members of society at large can reduce the incidence of voyeurism by drawing curtains, dropping blinds or closing window curtains. Reducing opportunities for voyeurism may reduce the practice.
Todays picture looks planned, thought-out and composed. In reality it was a drive by shooting. There is no way in hell I was going to park my car, get out and stand behind this old man sitting on the bench and take his picture without his permission. What if he turned around or if someone saw me? I couldn't go up and ask the guy if I could take the picture because what if he said I can't? What if he asked why? What if he said yes but then moved or sat in a different way? Also try explaining to people you want the picture for a web based project. The word picture plus internet in the same sentence will not get you good feedback. So, I had to resort to the lowest form of photography, voyeurism. After I was done passing this guy I saw another excellent shot, it was a woman dressed in total black "abaya" and she was sitting on the bench. Not only that but there was another local man in white "deshdasha" who was walking and was about to pass by from behind her. That meant I could have gotten another shot like the one I have now except it involved two local people. That would have made the picture a lot more powerful, more postcard like. But, I decided it wasn't worth the risk, I would definitely would have been spotted by the guy and would have gotten into a lot of trouble. I hope this will be my last voyeur shot.
like your reflection, but I wouldn't use the word voyeurism or peeping about the urge to capture some great situations even if it implies using much discretion when taking pictures. This is a very touchy and difficult subject. Sometimes I would like to ask someone, "I would really like to take a picture of you..." but I guess most of us don't ask questions like that. So we sneak around. I guess there will be more explicit camera-free zones in the future. This is voyeurism!
That is my biggest dilemma. Do I sneak a shot and hope they don't see me? I see so many great shots of people but don't have the courage to ask because every single time I've asked a stranger to take their photo, they've said 'NO'. Mind you, I've only done it 3 times, but each time I've gotten the same response.
Funny story regarding this exact situation today. I was at a restaurant and Paula Abdul was there. My sister-in-law loves 'American Idol', so I snuck a shot of Ms. Abdul using my Sony Clie. A security person caught me doing it and told my that the taking of photographs was strictly prohibited. He didn't make me delete the photo, but he freaked me out.
which sony clie? with my UX40 i was able soo many times to take candid shots and everyone would think i was just working on my pda..
miskan, I have a PEG-TJ37. I haven't mastered being discreet with it yet, so I think the fact that I turned to the side and was holding it at my hip while looking down at the screen gave me away. It's obvious I need more practice.
Scene from the Bible’s Song of Solomon
He playfully wants to secretly gaze upon her without her knowing but she sees him behind the wall, at the window, peeking through the lattice.
(cf voyeurism and television and movies where we get to look at others without their “knowing”)
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