One in 10 Young Adults Unaware Stealthing is a Crime, Survey Reveals
A recent study has uncovered that approximately one in 10 young adults are unaware that removing a condom without the other person’s consent during sexual intercourse is deemed illegal. The act of non-consensual condom removal, also known as “stealthing,” not only exposes the partner to the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies but also constitutes rape under English and Welsh law.
Conducted by researchers from University College London (UCL), this study marks the first of its kind in the UK to delve into the issue of stealthing. Shockingly, around 50% of those surveyed agreed that prison time should be a fitting punishment, while an overwhelming 99% regarded stealthing as morally wrong and criminal.
Lead author of the study, Dr. Farida Ezzat, emphasised that the majority of respondents viewed non-consensual condom removal as a violation of sexual consent, morally reprehensible, and a criminal offence regardless of the outcome or relationship status. The study, published in PLOS, further revealed that approximately half of the participants believed the perpetrator should face imprisonment if the victim became pregnant as a result of stealthing, with a similar percentage suggesting imprisonment if the victim experienced emotional distress.
Interestingly, the study predominantly focused on women, and the researchers noted limitations in the sample, which mainly comprised white and cisgender individuals. Dr. Geraldine Barrett, the senior author of the report, highlighted that stealthing has recently gained attention within public and legal spheres as a concerning “sex trend,” with the UK witnessing three recent rape convictions linked to non-consensual condom removal.
The study’s researchers hope that their findings will contribute to shaping future sexual health campaigns and legislative measures to address this alarming practice and provide support to affected individuals. The call for action comes following a notable case earlier this year where a man was sentenced to over four years in prison for unlawfully removing a condom during sexual intercourse without the partner’s consent, further underscoring the severity of such actions.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the lack of awareness surrounding the criminality of stealthing among young adults and the pressing need for increased education, awareness, and legal measures to combat this harmful practice and ensure the protection of individuals’ sexual autonomy and rights.