What is stealthing?
Stealthing is a sexual act in which one partner removes the condom during sexual intercourse without the consent of the other partner. It can occur during any type of sexual activity, such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex between men or women or men and men.
Dr. Chirag Bhandari, Founder, Institute of Andrology and Sexual Health (IASH) says, “Stealthing or removing a condom without consent of the partner is a violation of trust, and it puts the other partner at risk of unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and emotional harm.”
Here’s what the survey says:
According to a survey conducted by Monash University in Melbourne on 2000 people, approximately 55% of women have experienced stealthing, making it a prevalent issue. However, many cases go unreported, and it is not given much weight as an offense.
Why do people do stealthing?
People may engage in stealthing for various reasons, such as feeling more manly, not wanting to wear a condom, or prioritizing their pleasure over their partner's safety and well-being. However, stealthing is a serious offense that can lead to physical, emotional, and psychological harm to the partner.
What are the health problems caused by stealthing?
Dr. Bhandari says, “Stealthing can have serious negative effects, such as unintended pregnancies, STDs, emotional trauma, and a loss of confidence in close relationships. The most immediate risks of stealthing are exposing an unknowing partner to STIs and, in heterosexual relationships, the possibility of an unwanted pregnancy. This practice can cause severe sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea and even HIV AIDS. It can also impact the mental health of a person as removal of a condom without consent is a degrading and disempowering breach of a sexual contract.”
Countries that have announced it illegal
Several countries have recognized stealthing as a crime, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, California, and the United States of America. In India, it falls under section 270 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with sexual intercourse between an HIV-infected person and a non-infected person without the consent of the latter and the removal of the condom without their permission.
The takeaway:
It is critical to acknowledge stealthing as a violation of consent and to make sure that society and the judicial system treat it seriously. Education and awareness initiatives can encourage healthy, respectful sexual relationships while assisting people in understanding the dangers and repercussions of stealthing.
