Societal Perceptions and Understanding of Voyeurism & Upskirting in Young Adult Singaporean Nationals: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis

Despite near-global legal reforms to tackle voyeurism and upskirting offences (VUs), such behaviours remain prevalent in Singapore—an under-reached population for empirical research in the niche of image-based sexual abuse and one where conservative views and sex-related taboos persist. This study consists of interviews with ten young adult Singaporean nationals about their understanding of VUs, victim-survivors thereof, and how such views interact with Singaporean culture and societal norms. Reflective thematic analysis was used to delineate the two predominant themes of the (1) Unaccountability of Perpetrators, wherein VUs are minimised and excused at both societal (Technological and Institutional Affordances) and individual levels (Sexual Deviancy & Pornography), and (2) Burden of Victimisation, which explored perceptions of victim-survivors as a gendered experience (Gendered Vulnerability), where norms around modesty impacted victim-blaming (Moralised Modesty & Responsibility), resulting in harm minimisation (Harm Awareness & Minimisation). Findings have implications for how legislators, law enforcement, and educational institutions address the minimisation of gender-based violence through shifts in social narratives, awareness, and responses.