October 23rd 2024.
Stealthing, a term used to describe the non-consensual removal of a condom during sex, has been classified as rape under English and Welsh law. This issue has gained attention after a recent study, conducted by University College London, revealed that many young adults are not aware or do not believe that stealthing is a crime. The study surveyed 1,729 people between the ages of 18 and 25, asking for their opinions on this emerging trend in sexual behavior.
While the majority of respondents agreed that non-consensual condom removal is wrong, a smaller portion considered it to be a crime. When presented with different hypothetical scenarios, including a couple in a long-term relationship and a pair who had just met on a dating app, approximately 88% of respondents believed that this act was sexual assault. However, opinions differed when considering factors such as the nature of the relationship and potential consequences, such as pregnancy or the victim becoming depressed.
Despite the maximum sentence for rape being life imprisonment, the study found that support for an offender going to jail was lower when the victim became pregnant or depressed as a result of the non-consensual condom removal. In fact, less than half of the respondents felt that the offender should go to jail if the act occurred in a long-term relationship. This sentiment was stronger when the non-consensual condom removal happened in a casual encounter.
The study, published in the Plos One journal, included mostly female respondents. When adjusted for this, the researchers found that men were less likely to view non-consensual condom removal as sexual assault compared to women. The researchers acknowledged that their study had limitations, as the sample of respondents was mainly composed of university students and Instagram users, and lacked diversity in terms of race and gender identity. However, they believe that their study provides valuable insights into this area, as it is the first of its kind in the UK.
Senior author Dr. Geraldine Barrett from UCL's EGA Institute for Women's Health emphasized the importance of understanding that non-consensual condom removal is not just a "sex trend", but a crime. She hopes that the study's findings will inform future sexual health campaigns and legislation to address this issue and provide support for those affected. Lead author Dr. Farida Ezzat also highlighted the overwhelming majority of respondents who believed that non-consensual condom removal is a violation of consent, morally wrong, and a criminal act, regardless of the outcome or relationship status.
In June, the Metropolitan Police reaffirmed their stance that non-consensual condom removal is a form of rape, after a man was sentenced to four years and three months in prison for committing this act without his partner's consent. It is important for everyone, especially young men, to understand that stealthing is not just a trend, but a serious violation of consent. The hope is that with continued awareness and education, this issue can be addressed and support can be provided for those affected.
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