Stealthing is being described as the act of a man either poking holes in or removing a condom during sex without their partner’s consent or knowledge.
Alexandra Brodsky conducted a study which was published in the Columbia Journal of Gender and Law, she explained that “non-consensual condom removal during sexual intercourse exposes victims to physical risks of pregnancy and disease and, interviews make clear, is experience by many as a grave violation of dignity and trust.”
Brodsky explain to the Huffington Post that she was inspired to conduct the study in 2013 after finding many of her female friends had struggled with forms of mistreatment by sexual partners which were not deemed gender-based violence or rape. One victim told her the incident felt “rape-adjacent”.
The study did also highlight the amount of online communities which defend stealthing and view it as a male “right”, the site also allows men to trade tips and give advice to each other on how to conduct this act.
Whilst there are a number of these sites, there are also a number of sites with help sufferers and those who have been victim, they give support and advice to those who need it most.
Under UK law, the removal of a condom without the consent of your partner during sex is legally the same as rape. Even if two people are engaging in consensual sex, damaging or removing a condom violates that trust. Which is classed as sexual assault.
If you’d like more information or support, visit Rape Crisis UK or call 0808 802 9999 (open noon–2.30pm and 7–9.30pm any day of the year and also between 3-5.30pm weekdays)
Words: Amy Jo Taylor
