Have you ever heard of a behavior (which, if consummated, is also a crime) called necrophilia? Necrophilia is a sexual behavior that causes a person to become sexually aroused by contact with a corpse, i.e. a dead person.

It is important to emphasize that this is not, in any way, sex, because sex depends on a consensual relationship between the parties. To understand how this behavior develops and how it is possible to treat it, we have prepared this article! Check it out and, if you identify yourself or if you know someone with this behavior, seek psychological and psychiatric help, because there is a cure!

When a person passes away, relatives or people close to them must decide what will be done with that body that once lived. Some choose burial, others cremation. This is the natural cycle of life, because a lifeless body is no longer part of society.

However, it can still be preserved in a coffin for loved ones to visit, or it can be turned into ashes to be stored or scattered in a symbolic place.

What cannot happen with the body of someone who has already passed away is a sexual relationship. Besides being unable to react to any stimulus, the state of decomposition of the organic matter can bring negative consequences to those who crave this kind of contact.

Also, such a relationship can only happen when there is the consent of the people involved, which is impossible if one of them has already passed away. Despite this, there are people who practice necrophilia, disrespecting bodies that once lived and causing risks to themselves and to those who live with them.

What is necrophilia?

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In simple terms, necrophilia is the feeling of arousal caused by visual or physical contact with a corpse. The name comes from the Greek "nekrós", dead, and "filía", love, and the practice has existed since ancient times.

It can still present itself in three distinct ways: common (a person has sexual intercourse with a corpse), homicidal (a person murders someone in order to have sexual intercourse with the deceased), and fantasized (when the sexual act is not consummated, but the person feels aroused by imagining the relationship taking place).

What is a necrophiliac person?

A necrophiliac is a person who feels sexual desire for corpses. He may or may not have sex with one, depending on the type of necrophilia, but he will still be attracted to a body in this condition, in decomposition.

It is important to emphasize that a necrophiliac suffers from a mental disorder, and should be treated as such. It is necessary to analyze each case to understand what led this person to develop this morbid desire, and the causes are numerous. Childhood traumas or some unresolved sexual issue may have preceded this type of behavior.

How does necrophilia affect the individual's life?

Necrophilia is not only a mental disorder, but also a problem that can bring serious consequences to the physical health of an individual and to those who live with him. When a body enters a state of decomposition, bacteria, fungi, and viruses manifest themselves with more intensity, even if the deceased person has gone through a series of hygienic steps.

The bacteria of the coliform group and Staphylococcus aureus are the most present in corpses, and they can cause diseases such as conjunctivitis and pneumonia. To come in contact with them, even a simple kiss on a deceased person can be dangerous, so at wakes, avoid touching the deceased person, and if you do, sanitize your hands afterwards.

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H1N1, tuberculosis, rabies, hepatitis B and C, and HIV are some of the viruses that survive for some time in a deceased body. These diseases present a high risk of infection and, once contracted by someone who practices necrophilia, it is very easy to transmit them to those who live with that person.

There is also an infectious agent that can remain in a corpse for up to three years, called the prion, which is resistant to the sterilization methods adopted by hospitals and funeral homes. In contact with the body of a living person, it causes degeneration of the central nervous system and can lead to diseases such as dementia.

What does the law say about necrophilia?

Necrophilia is a crime.

According to article 212 of the Brazilian Penal Code, "vilifying a corpse or its ashes" is punishable by detention from one to three years, in addition to the payment of a fine. What, then, is vilification and why does necrophilia fit into this?

"Vilipendiar", according to our Penal Code, is, among other actions, to "depreciate, despise, affront, offend, insult or outrage" something, in this case a corpse. It is therefore considered a sexual offense any attempted sexual action with a person who has already died.

Furthermore, Article 212 can be used as an aggravating factor for crimes in which there is a murder and then an act of necrophilia, that is, when a person murders another and then performs a sexual act with the corpse.

This is why it is important to stress that if you feel aroused by the idea of sexual actions with a corpse or know someone in this situation, seeking medical and psychological help is fundamental not only to cure yourself of this disorder, but also to avoid committing a criminal act.

Signs that a person is a necrophiliac

Identifying a necrophiliac is a time-consuming process that must be done by a professional. It is important not only to recognize that the person suffers from this disorder, but also to treat him or her with the appropriate tools. However, there are some patterns that can be identified in a necrophiliac.

The person suffering from this mental disorder may fantasize about sexual intercourse in which there is no consent from the other person involved. Or they may take pleasure in thinking about or being near dead bodies. Some may even feel the desire to inflict physical pain on themselves or others.

If you are feeling any of the symptoms presented above, seek psychological help. You will discover throughout this text that it is possible to get rid of this disorder and that you can identify what is causing you to feel this kind of desire. Read on and learn more!

Is necrophilia treatable?

Necrophilia is a mental disorder like any other. Although the consequences of the consummation of one's desires are alarming and shocking, it is possible to investigate what is behind it and solve the problem. Treatment will be carried out with therapy and, if necessary, with the intake of specific medications.

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Each case must be analyzed by a professional who has knowledge of this disorder and can bring quality of life to those who suffer from it. A necrophiliac person has a disease that can be treated, and after that they will be able to have a life without problems related to sex.

How to report cases of necrophilia?

If you suspect that a person is having sex with a corpse, or if you are sure that they are doing it, the best thing to do is to make a report telling the police everything you know. You can do this anonymously by calling 181. Your identity will be protected and the person you have reported will be investigated.

Necrophilia is a behavior that generates repulsion in most of society, because no body should be violated in this way, including those who have already passed away. However, it is important to show people who suffer from this disorder that there is a way to get rid of this problem and lead a life like any other. Share what you have learned about the subject and always seek toimprove your knowledge!