Stealthing - meaning and definition
Alsonon-consensual condom removalcondom removal without consentstealth condom removal
Definition
Stealthing is removing or deliberately damaging a condom during sex without the partner's knowledge or agreement.
At a glance
- Removing or damaging a condom without the partner's knowledge or agreement.
- Agreeing to sex with a condom is not agreeing to sex without one.
- It exposes the partner to risks of pregnancy and STIs they did not accept.
- It is recognised as sexual violence and a crime in a growing number of countries.
- Sexual health clinics can offer emergency contraception, PEP and support.
In detail
When someone agrees to sex with a condom, that agreement does not extend to sex without one. Stealthing breaks that condition and exposes the partner to risks of pregnancy and STIs they did not accept. It is recognised as a form of sexual violence and a crime in a growing number of countries.
Anyone affected may want to consider emergency contraception and, where relevant, HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which works best when started as soon as possible. Sexual health clinics and sexual violence support services can help without judgement.
In a sentence
- The article explained that stealthing is a violation of consent, not a misunderstanding.
- After the stealthing, her friend went with her to a sexual health clinic.
Where the word comes from
The term spread widely after a 2017 law journal article by Alexandra Brodsky described the practice and the harm it causes.
Common questions
Is stealthing a crime?
It is treated as a crime in a growing number of countries, and as a form of sexual violence by support organisations. Laws differ, so local sexual violence services can explain the situation where you live.
What should I do if it happened to me?
It was not your fault. Consider visiting a sexual health clinic as soon as possible: they can discuss emergency contraception and HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which works best when started early, and STI testing. Sexual violence support services can help without judgement.