This Is NOT A Normal Part Of Sex

Tap forward to learn more about "stealthing."

What Is Stealthing? Stealthing is when someone removes a condom during sex without consent.

Source: Alexandra Brodsky, Columbia Journal for Gender and Law

How Did We Learn About It? Researcher Alexandra Brodsky spoke to survivors who “didn't know what to call it, and they didn't know if they had the right to be angry.”

There are also online message boards where men discuss and advocate for the act.

Is This A New Thing? Definitely not. While the term is just now gaining traction, the act is far from it.

Source: Josie Torielli, assistant director of intervention programs at the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault

Is It Really Sexual Assault?

Absolutely. The stealthing partner has made decisions about the other partner's health, future, family plans, and well-being without a care for the other partner's position. That's sexual assault.

If You Choose To Take Legal Action, You Have A Few Options

There’s currently no federal law against stealthing, which means legal protections vary depending on the state you’re in.

Do Some Research Before You Give Up.

In New York, you can go the criminal process route, through your school, or file a civil action through family court. You can also try all of the above at once.

Know That Reporting May Not Yield Results

The element of “he said, she said” makes the burden of proof impossibly high in many cases — but also because there is no clear legal statute that addresses stealthing.

Ultimately, You'll Have To Figure Out The Best Path For You

The best place to start is reaching out to an advocacy organization like the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN) or Safe Horizon to understand your options.

Know That Being A Victim Of Stealthing Is Never Your Fault

If you think you think a partner may have stealthed, be sure to seek out STI screening and, if necessary, Plan B.

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