Psychologist Candice Leith weighs in as flasher alarms Ballito residents
The Ballito Neighbourhood Watch (BNW) confirmed that both cases involved a young white male allegedly exposing himself to unsuspecting women in public places over the weekend of July 12 and 13.
The first incident occurred near Salmon Bay, where a female jogger was approached by a man driving a white Toyota Aygo. After asking for directions, the driver allegedly exposed himself before speeding off.
The second incident took place on the boardwalk near Clarke Bay, where two female holidaymakers were out for a morning walk. They described the flasher as a 'young, clean-cut, white male.'
These events have sparked concern, prompting the BNW to issue a public alert and encourage immediate reporting of any similar behaviour. Indecent exposure is a criminal offence in South Africa.
Ballito psychologist Dr Candice Rae Leith weighed in on the psychological aspect of the incidents, linking the behaviour to a mental health condition known as Exhibitionistic Disorder.
'People with this disorder feel intense sexual arousal from the act of exposure itself, particularly from the victim's surprise or shock,' said Leith.
'In many cases, this behaviour is compulsive and repeated, causing distress for victims and sometimes guilt and shame for the offender.'
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Exhibitionistic Disorder is diagnosed when an individual aged 18 or older experiences persistent sexual urges or fantasies for at least six months involving exposing themselves to non-consenting people. The person must either act on these urges or experience significant distress or disruption in their life.
'This helps professionals distinguish a diagnosable disorder from a one-off act of poor judgement,' said Leith, who notes the illness can be treated and managed.
She says specialist psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, can help the person understand their triggers and develop healthier coping strategies. In some cases, medication is used to help reduce compulsive sexual urges.
'Community awareness and prompt reporting help protect everyone's safety. At the same time, people struggling with these urges deserve access to treatment so they can stop harmful behaviour before more damage is done.'
No arrests have been made.
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