Final answer:
The term for the action described is "voyeurism," which is an invasion of privacy that gratifies the offender's sexual desires without the victim's consent, and is considered a form of sexual harassment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The blank in the question should be filled with the term "voyeurism," which describes the action of viewing, observing, spying upon, or invading the privacy of a person without their consent to arouse or gratify the sexual desires of the offender. Voyeurism is a form of sexual harassment and constitutes a legal offense in many jurisdictions. It is considered an invasion of privacy and is taken seriously because it not only violates the victim's privacy but also can create a feeling of fear and lack of safety.
The concept of voyeurism can be linked to the discussed issue of the 'gaze,' where the observer exercises a form of power over the observed individual by watching without consent. This type of behavior contributes to an environment where the victim feels scrutinized and powerless, which can severely impact their sense of security and well-being.