Indecent exposure and outraging public decency

Indecent exposure

Indecent exposure (legally called just 'exposure' and sometimes known as 'flashing') is when someone deliberately exposes their genitals in order to frighten or upset someone else.

Men and women can both commit indecent exposure. It can happen in public or in private.

Outraging public decency

The separate offence of outraging public decency is when someone does something lewd, obscene or disgusting in the presence of at least two members of the public.

What to do if it happens to you

You might feel anxiety, fear and feelings of distrust and violation. Or you might not feel alarmed or distressed at all. There is no right or wrong way to feel.

• Look away and move away, if you can.
• Don't engage directly with the offender.
• Try not to show a strong emotional response.
• If it's definitely safe to, consider taking a photo of them from a safe distance.
• Report it to us, if you feel you can.

Report it

It takes courage to report something uncomfortable, but if you feel you can talk to us, we'll always take you seriously.

Your report can help us stop it happening to someone else. Sometimes people who commit this type of offence go on to commit more serious offences.