Sexual sadism
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Sexual sadism consists in the deliberate infliction of physical or mental suffering (humiliation, fear) on one's sexual partner to stimulate sexual pleasure and orgasm.
Usually, such a person has persistent, constant fantasies, in which sexual pleasure develops when suffering is inflicted on his partner who agrees to it or not. Small manifestations of sadism are common sexual practices; pathology is determined by the degree of expression. Sexual sadism is not rape, but a complex of sexual and violent acts on the victim. Sexual sadism is diagnosed in less than 10% of abusers.
Usually sadistic sexual behavior is observed between adults by mutual consent. As in the case of masochism, sadism is usually limited to certain frames and does not cause harm. In some people, this behavior reaches a level of serious consequences. When sadistic behavior with partners who disagree on this, sexual sadism is a criminal act and can continue until the sadist is arrested. Sexual sadism is especially dangerous when combined with an antisocial personality disorder.