You may not be very familiar with the word stealthing, But it is also possible that you have been a victim of this type of sexual assault and did not even know that it is classified as such. The expression stealthing is translated as “in stealth” or “secretly” and refers to the act of removing the condom during a sexual encounter without the consent of the other person.
Although many people may doubt that it is a sexual assault because the sexual contact was consensual, generally the people involved have agreed to the use of this preventive method, and the fact that it is withdrawn without consent not only generates feelings of betrayal and violationbut also causes concern about the possibility of contracting a sexually transmitted infection or an unwanted pregnancy.
For people who perpetrate stealthing, this is a simple action that does not have too much significance and can “benefit” both parties in terms of pleasure. However, for the victim It involves great physical risks and a severe violation of their dignity, as well as their sexual and reproductive rights.
Can stealthing be considered a crime?
Many countries have been concerned about including this aggression in their legislation, however, there are gaps because in many places to talk about rape, the act must be subject to threats and the use of physical violence. In this case there is no violence to access sexual contact, but by breaking the agreement regarding the use of the prevention method, it goes against consent and sexual activity without consent constitutes a crime.
Countries such as Canada, Germany, Australia, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Spain They consider this behavior as a sexual crime. Likewise, the state of California, in the United States, has worked to punish people who engage in this sexual practice with prison.
Why does a person commit stealthing?
There can be several reasons that can lead a person to commit stealthing, although none justifies the aggression. Among the most common are:
- The idea of what to have sex without a condom is more pleasurable.
- Using this practice as a manipulation technique to exercise power and control about the other person.
- This practice may have its origin in misogynistic thoughts as the “right of man to water his seed.”
Even though stealthing begins with a consensual sexual encounter, When a person decides to secretly remove the condom, that consent is broken. and this, without a doubt, constitutes aggression and, likewise, is a clear manifestation of emotional abuse.
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What to do if you are a victim of stealthing?
As we have already mentioned, stealthing has repercussions on the sexual and emotional health of those who suffer this aggression. If you were a victim, take the following safety measures.
- Do not blame yourself.
- Get tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
- If you are a woman, take a pregnancy test.
- Seek help from people you trust or a mental health professional.
- Complaint. As in the case of any other sexual assault, it is important not to remain silent and report this assault.
Don’t forget that consenting to sexual activity does not mean that you consent to not using a preventive method. If you suspect you have been a victim, pay more attention to your partner’s every movement to confirm that the condom is there throughout the sexual act.
In it # Movement We reject all types of sexual violence, including. Although this type of sexual assault is not based on the use of physical violence and threats, it also has very negative effects on the physical and emotional health of those who suffer it.
Our Movement provides valuable tools for the prevention of sexual abuse, as well as a safe and trustworthy space so that survivors of sexual abuse can break the silence and begin their healing process. and.