Leads are sparse in the investigation of peeping incidents in the women’s showers in residence halls.

“We’re pretty much at a loss,” Laurel Skrede, director of protective services, said. Part of the reason is that reports of peeping incidents are often not reported right away or victims are not able to give an accurate description of the peeper.

“It’s such a shock to them and they don’t grasp what is happening,” Skrede said. The most detailed descriptions of the peeper that was given was of a male approximately 6-feet, 1-inch in height, short blonde hair, and no facial hair, glasses or noticeable piercings.

Peepers participate in paraphilia, the sexual attraction or arousal from inappropriate activities.

“In general, paraphiles are overwhelmingly male,” Theron Parsons, associate professor of psychology, said. He said that is because men are typically more aroused by physical features.

Parsons said that paraphiles typically display poor social skills and have trouble approaching people. As a result, they stalk their victims as a way of creating a personal connection.

“I think that part of what men like is that the women are unaware,” Parsons said. He believes that the behavior gives a feeling of power and is a way of overcoming the feeling of inadequacy.

Typically, psychologists look for recurrent fantasies or actions of viewing unsuspecting persons over the course of six months to see if the behavior is an example of paraphilia.

Two peeping incidents took place this semester and four occurred during the spring semester, Skrede said. Four of the incidents took place in Dobson Hall. All the reports took place in women’s bathrooms.

“I would say they use the showers in an indiscriminate way,” Parsons said. It’s possible that it doesn’t matter whom the peeper views and the randomness could be part of the thrill.

Rhonda Viney, director of student housing, said that after the incidents were reported, all females in the halls were informed and discussions were held regarding prevention of peeping incidents.

“I think people being more aware of their environment helps,” Viney said. “Be cognizant of your surroundings.” Some prevention ideas included keeping bathroom doors shut at all times and putting bells on shower curtains.

Students can take further precautions such as making sure friends are around and not blocking open outside doors.

“Anytime you have a concern, you should report it,” Skrede said. “I think people have to be proactive to create their own safe environment.”

Anyone with information on peeping incidents can contact campus police at 342-1584.