Public masturbation incidents in New York City have surged by 51 percent in 2024 compared to 2023, according to crime statistics. The increase in such behavior is being attributed to lax laws in the city.
Data from the New York Post reveals that from January through June 2024, there has been a 51 percent rise in reports of public masturbation compared to the same period in 2023. Additionally, police have issued 159 citations for public exposure, including urination, by June 30, representing a staggering 396 percent increase from the 32 tickets issued in 2023.
Greenwich Village resident Brian Maloney expressed his frustration to the Post, saying, “There’s too much junk I don’t want to see.” Maloney shared footage of a long-haired naked man masturbating in a chair near the Washington Square Diner during a rainstorm. He also recounted an incident where a naked woman paraded in front of him and other commuters in a subway car.
“We’re exhausted by it,” Maloney lamented. “We’re pleading with our elected officials for help but are basically being ignored.”
Capt. Joel Rosenthal highlighted the leniency of current laws, noting, “This is a desk appearance ticket and a non-bail eligible offense, so he will be out within two hours.” Mental health policy analyst Carolyn D. Gorman pointed out that the push against incarceration, combined with inadequate mental health treatment, is exacerbating the issue.
“If we don’t enforce laws and individuals aren’t in jails or prisons, and they’re not receiving psychiatric treatment because the mental health system deprioritizes the mentally ill… these people are out on the street,” Gorman explained.