Voyeurism Abuse
What is Voyeurism?
Voyeurism is an act of non-contact sexual abuse. Voyeurism is when someone secretly watches, photographs or records another person in a setting where that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.
These acts are often sexual in nature and occur without the victim’s knowledge or consent. In many instances, the perpetrator has unique access or holds a position of power, such as a teacher, medical professional, coach, or caregiver.
Voyeurism abuse is not only a criminal offense in Washington but also grounds for civil action, especially when committed within institutions responsible for protecting vulnerable individuals.
Forms of Voyeurism
- Physical: Installing hidden cameras in bathrooms, locker rooms, exam rooms, or bedrooms.
- Digital: Secretly recording videos or capturing images without consent, sometimes followed by distributing the recordings and images online.
- In-Person Observation: Watching individuals undress or engage in private activities without permission, often by exploiting physical access to restricted areas.
Common Voyeurism Scenarios
- Schools and Daycares: Cameras placed by employees in student restrooms, locker rooms, or changing areas.
- Medical Settings: Health professionals secretly recording patients during physical exams or procedures.
- Rental and Public Accommodations: Hidden cameras found in bathrooms or bedrooms of Airbnbs, gyms, hotels, or workplace restrooms.
Help Us Stop Sexual Abuse
Have you or a loved a survivor of sexual abuse including non-contact sexual abuse (like voyeurism abuse)? Have you witnessed behavior that may hint that a child is at risk?
Please do not hesitate to reach out to Washington Law Center to better understand your rights or to seek our assistance with your case.
Contributing Factors of Voyeurism Abuse
- Access and Opportunity: Perpetrators are often employees or authority figures with access to private areas and minimal oversight.
- Institutional Failure: Lack of supervision, poor hiring practices, or failure to act on reports may allow repeated abuse.
- Victim Vulnerability: Many victims are children, patients, or renters who do not initially recognize they were recorded and may struggle to seek justice without support.
Hiring The Right Team
If you or someone you know has been affected by voyeurism, we strongly encourage you to contact our office immediately to discuss your rights. Our firm is litigating the most expansive case of voyeurism known with victims spanning decades. We know the experts, we know how these bad people hide evidence, and we know how to get you justice.
Washington Law Center Cases Involving Voyeurism
James D Mattson – Vancouver School District Employee Voyeurism Case
According to The Columbian, investigations began October 5th after Mattson’s girlfriend found video on his computer from a hidden camera in the Alki Middle School girl’s locker room. She then contacted authorities and based on this information detectives seized several electronic devices from his home. On October 13th, Mattson was arrested for 137 possible counts of first-degree voyeurism.
Is AirBnB Liable For Voyeurism?
With the rise of Airbnb, concerns about hidden cameras have become increasingly prevalent. Unfortunately, these concerns were recently validated after an Airbnb representative testified that they have generated 35,000 customer support tickets on the matter over the last decade. Voyeurism is the act of secretly recording someone and it is a form of sexual abuse. So, the thought of being secretly recorded in a place where you expect privacy is not only unsettling but also illegal, and even if Airbnb was unaware of a host’s actions, they could still be held liable.
Common Questions
Voyeurism FAQs
What is considered “voyeurism” under Washington law?
Voyeurism involves intentionally observing or recording someone in a private space without their consent, for the purpose of sexual gratification or abuse of power. Washington criminalizes this conduct under RCW 9A.44.115.
Can I sue someone for recording me without my consent in Washington State?
Yes. In Washington, it is illegal to secretly record someone in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as a bathroom, bedroom, locker room, or medical setting. If you were recorded without your consent, you may have the right to file a civil lawsuit for invasion of privacy, emotional distress, and other damages. In many cases, institutions that employed the perpetrator, or failed to prevent or respond to the misconduct may also be held legally responsible.
I found a hidden camera in an Airbnb. What should I do?
Leave the property immediately, document the device with photos or video, and report it to local law enforcement. Notify Airbnb and preserve all communications. Then, speak with an attorney to understand your legal rights and determine whether you have a claim against the host or Airbnb itself. For more information, read our blog on AirBnB Hidden Camera / Voyeurism Liability.
What is the statute of limitations to file a voyeurism claim in Washington?
Generally speaking, Washington law allows survivors of sexual abuse and privacy violations, including voyeurism, to file claims within three years. However, under certain circumstances, the statute of limitations may be longer.
Who can be held liable for hidden camera recordings?
The individual who placed the hidden camera can be held liable. In cases where that person was employed by an institution or company, such as a school or hospital, the employer may also be held responsible.
What is the difference between criminal and civil cases?
The only redress for sexual abuse victims is typically monetary compensation to make them whole. The burden of proof for victims far lower in civil cases. We must only prove our case as ‘more probable than not’ instead of ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’.
Video Transcript:
ATTORNEY SARA SHEIKH:
What if I think my healthcare provider secretly recorded me?
What does an initial meeting with a sexual abuse attorney look like?
Are you trying to get a better idea of what an initial meeting with a sexual abuse attorney might look like? Sexual Abuse Attorney Ashton Dennis is here to talk you through what you can expect when you meet with Washington Law Center.
Video Transcript: What To Expect During Your Initial Meeting with a Sexual Abuse Attorney?
ATTORNEY ASHTON DENNIS: At Washington Law Center, a consultation is going to be done in a way that makes you most comfortable.
Very often, clients have been holding onto these stories, their story for a very long time and need time to write it out. And we give you the space to do that.
Or if it’s in person and you want to meet with me and the team and talk through it, or if it’s via Zoom or other virtual program.
Or in the comfort of your home if that’s where you feel safe and that’s where you want to share your story, we’ll come to you and we’ll meet with you and we’ll talk through that with you.
And if that means that you need to have someone with you when sharing that story, we’d be happy to do that as well.
We will go out of our way to make sure it’s done in a way that makes you the most comfortable.
Initial Meeting with a sexual abuse attorney: How much do you have to share?
Washington Law Center is a resource for sexual abuse survivors
We stand against victim blaming: Your story matters
Free Confidential Voyeurism Abuse Case Evaluation
No Fee Until You Win
Voyeurism Abuse Lawyers
Spencer Parr
Ashton Dennis
Daniel Swinford
Sara Sheikh
OVER $100 MILLION AWARDED TO OUR CLIENTS BY VERDICT, SETTLEMENT, INJURY PENSION OR JUDGMENT