The Silent Sexual Assault

An alarming act called stealthing is now being recognised as the serious violation it is. Stay safe with this must-know info.

- Stacey Colino

IT’S NOT GOING TO BE PLEASANT, BUT PICTURE THIS: You’re hooking up with a guy and the sex feels good…almost too good. You look down to discover that he’s pumping away unprotected, after having secretly pulled off his condom.

What you’re envisioning is called stealthing, an abhorrent practice that’s been getting increased attention after an article in the Columbia Journal of Gender and Law described it as a form of sexual assault.

Stealthing transforms consensual sex into nonconsensual sex by disregarding the terms — condom use — both partners agreed to, explains article author Alexandra Brodsky, a civil-rights attorney. It happens most often in hookup or casual sex situations, and can leave victims feeling duped, disrespected, angry and ashamed—and fearing STIs  and unintended pregnancies. “It’s an invisible form of violence that’s been going on for a while,” says Brodsky. Now, it finally has a name.

SHOCKING DISCOVERIES