It is sexual assault.
“I’m not sure if it’s rape…”
A study done by the Columbia Journal of Gender and Law reports on a new social trend where men remove condoms during sex without consent from their partner. Online, this trend has been dubbed “stealthing” which can put partners at risk of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. This trend is alarming because not only does it violate a victim’s body, but it’s not legally recognized as sexual assault. During her research, the author of this study, Alexandra Brodsky, uncovered an entire online community of males who encourage one another to “stealth” their partners in an attempt to “spread one’s seed”.
Legally, rape is any form of sexual act that happens without consent from both partners. If a partner is under the belief that a condom is being used during intercourse, the man does not have consent if they remove it at any time during the act. There is a very big difference between safe sex and unprotected sex, and a women is less likely to consent when the proper precautions aren’t taken. The problem with dubbing this malicious act with a trendy, easily used word, is that it normalizes sexual assault. Online, “stealthing” has been depicted to be something to brag about, something that is a great feat for a man to achieve without their partners noticing. This type of mentality allows rapists to thrive in our culture, and helps them go unpunished.
Many rapists agree that they have raped, but only if the word “rape” is not used. Take Bryce from the new hit Netflix Series, Thirteen Reasons Why.
WARNING – SPOILERS AHEAD!
He would not admit to raping Hannah, but he did admit that she did not say yes, but she was asking for it by “looking” at him. A Gonzaga Sophomore Carla* is surprised any man would consider doing this act, with any partner.
“I’ve never heard about it [stealthing], but since it is not consensual, it’s rape,” said Carla, “at that point, the woman has consented to sex with protection, not sex without protection.”
Another GU student, Gina* agreed with Carla, saying this act is a form of violation in many different ways.
“[Stealthing] is an incredible violation of trust, especially someone’s most intimate trust. It is a violation of their body and the relationship between two partners. Partners should always be equal. By him choosing to remove the condom, he is taking away power from his partner. It is extremely not okay,” said Carla.
Every young female I spoke to was disgusted as soon as I defined this trend to them. Many responded saying this act is simply rape, and we should call it that. Others argued that putting someone’s body at risk is not okay either. They all agreed they would personally not be okay with their partners doing this to them. It is important for us women to practice safe sex, and never feel afraid to communicate with your partner in what makes you comfortable.
Safe sex is the best sex!
* Names have been changed