Citation

Horley J. J. Sex. Aggress. 2001; 7(1): 51-55.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13552600108413321

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Frotteurism is understood commonly as a quite rare paraphilia that involves deriving sexual satisfaction from unwanted rubbing against another person. The exact nature of frotteurism is in dispute, and this paper argues that definitional imprecision and paucity of clinical and research information on the disorder are causes for concern. An example of an individual provisionally diagnosed as afrotteur is presented. Penile plethysmography and other data reveal that the individual might be construed as a timid rapist. It is suggested that frotteurism may be viewed best as ineffectual sexual assault and 'frotteurs' as less aggressive rapists, perhaps eliminating the need for a separate diagnostic category.