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Secret hunters
Peeping
satisfies sexual needs
Hidden cameras can be set up in washrooms or changing rooms by installation in the ceilings or walls. (Ma Ka Wa)
By Ma Ka Wa
A young girl is taking off her clothes in a dim changing room. She loosens her buttons slowly and hangs the clothes on the door. Then, she puts on a pink T-shirt with a price tag.
Pictures and video clips of scenes like this can be easily found on the Internet.
Dr. Siumi Maria Tam, associate professor in the Anthropology Department at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, uses the gender concept to explain such peeping behavior.
“Social norms exert pressure on women. A woman is a gaze. It means she is always judged by the standards of men,” said Dr. Tam.
Dr. Tam pointed out that the traditional gender concept rationalizes peeping behavior. For example, appearance is important to women, and ability is decisive to men.
“The media have some responsibilities as well. They tend to depict females with fewer clothes. This instills the message that females with fewer clothes are attractive,” said she.
Besides, Dr. Tam said some men believe that every woman is wearing a price tag. This also hints at unequal gender power.
“Men have a tendency to abuse power. When they feel insecure, they strive to satisfy their need to feel powerful. Peeping can be a way to do that,” said she.
In addition, questions may be asked as to why men do not substitute for peeping by watching pornographic movies. Dr. Tam explained that engaging in normal and equal consumption does not satisfy men.
Sometimes, people blame the victims instead of peepers.
Some people reason that it is impossible for one’s appearance to attract peepers; it is one’s own business by wearing an abnormally short skirt; one should check carefully before using toilets and changing rooms.
“Besides, lenient and unclear punishment encourages people to peep,” Dr. Tam added.
Kevin H. Wong, a solicitor, said there is no specific law against peeping.
“Police can charge peepers with loitering, objectional behavior and sometimes sexual harassment.
“Nevertheless, the punishment is lenient. The peepers may either be fined or sentenced to suspended imprisonment.
“The punishment is not serious largely due to the lack of body contact. It is just an injury to feelings without visible harms and wounds,” said Mr. Wong.
Moreover, if peepers are heavily punished, it is unfavorable to the freedom of the press.
“The term ‘peeping’ is abstract. If a reporter takes photos on the street, it can be argued that the reporter has peeped.
“Of course, the punishment for each peeping case depends on its unique facts and backgrounds,” Mr. Wong said.
Paul Harris, a barrister in the Hong Kong Bar Association, has different opinions.
“The law in Hong Kong is good in the sense that victims can bring the case to court and the Sex Discrimination Ordinance is lavailable,” Mr. Harris said.
To Mr. Harris, the law in Hong Kong in counteracting peeping is acceptable. The major problem is with the victims.
“A lot of women don’t actually know their rights. They feel embarrassed to lodge a complaint to the Equal Opportunity Commission even though they are victims of peepers.
“Also, the Equal Opportunity Commission, which handles sexual harassment cases, lacks resources,” said Mr. Harris.
Apart from the Sexual Harassment Ordinance, peepers may also be accused of loitering.
According to the Crime Ordinance, a loiterer with intent to commit an offence in public places is liable to a fine of $10,000 and to imprisonment for six months.
Referring to the figures provided by the Police Public Relations Branch, there were 61 offences in 2002 and six from the beginning of January 2003 to mid-February 2003.
For a person who loiters in public places and causes any person reasonable concern for his or her safety shall be liable to imprisonment for two years.
There were 111 cases in total in 2002 and 13 from the beginning of January 2003 to mid-February 2003.
Prof. Joyce Ma Lai Chong in the Department of Social Work at the Chinese University said peeping is a kind of sexually deviant behavior. The peepers have failed to find a correct way to satisfy their sexual demands.
“We try to understand their reasons behind peeping and help them build up normal relationships through counseling.
“If the peeping behaviors are due to a mental problem — for instance, if the peeper is persuaded by an imagined voice — he should take medicine and receive psychological treatment,” Prof. Ma said.
Various types of hidden cameras
By Ma Ka Wa
Spy cameras on sale in a Sham Shui Po shop. (Ma Ka Wa)
Hidden cameras fall into two categories: color cameras, and black and white cameras. The higher the price, the better the resolution.
Some can capture sounds and images, but others only capture images, depending on the price.
There are different shapes, ranging from dome-shaped to bullet- shaped. The smallest is the size of a thumb.
The cameras can be hidden in changing rooms, washrooms and bathrooms by installation in the ceilings or walls.
A “Mr. Wong” is the shopkeeper of Wing Cheong Technology Limited on Apliu Street of Sham Shui Po.
Mr. Wong, who declined to reveal his full name, said the price range of hidden cameras is $150 to $2,000.
“When customers buy the cameras, we teach them how to install and use the cameras.
“It is easy. No specialized skill is necessary.
“We don’t ask the customers why they buy the cameras. It’s not my business,” said Mr. Wong.
There are even “DIY observation kits” on the market. In the kits, a camera, monitor, wires, adaptors and instructions are all included.
“We sell about 30 hidden cameras a month. Housewives and men are the main customers,” Mr. Wong added.