A recent study conducted by researchers from University College London (UCL) revealed that around 10% of young adults are not aware that removing a condom without consent during sex, also known as “stealthing,” is considered illegal under English and Welsh law. This act puts the partner at risk of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies and is classified as rape.
The study, which surveyed 1,729 individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 in the UK, found that half of the respondents support prison time as a punishment for stealthing, while 99% believe it is morally wrong. Dr. Farida Ezzat, the lead author of the study, emphasized that regardless of the outcome or relationship status, the majority of respondents viewed non-consensual condom removal as a violation of consent and a criminal act.
While there have been three recent rape convictions in the UK related to stealthing, little is known about the attitudes of young adults towards this issue. Dr. Geraldine Barrett, the senior author of the report, highlighted the importance of informing future sexual health campaigns and legislation to address this phenomenon and provide support to those affected.
One such case involved Guy Mukendi, a man from Brixton in south London, who was sentenced to four years and three months in prison for removing a condom without consent during sex. This incident underscores the significance of raising awareness about the legal and ethical implications of stealthing.
In 2019, the first successful conviction for stealthing in England and Wales occurred when Lee Hogben, from Bournemouth, was imprisoned for 12 years for raping a sex worker after removing a condom without her consent. The victim had explicitly stated on her website that the use of a condom was a condition for her clients.
Overall, the findings of the UCL study shed light on the prevalent attitudes towards stealthing among young adults in the UK and the urgent need for education and advocacy to address this concerning issue. By raising awareness and holding perpetrators accountable, we can work towards creating a safer and more respectful environment for all individuals involved in sexual encounters.
