What Is Stealthing?

The word itself doesn’t typically deliver a gut punch that terms like “rape” and “sexual assault” often do. But don’t be deceived: Stealthing is a form of sexual assault…

The term “stealthing” seems to be appearing in more and more headlines these days and has even been trending across social media. For those unfamiliar with the term: Stealthing is purposefully removing a condom during anal or vaginal intercourse without a partner’s consent. It can also refer to secretly damaging a condom before or during sex so that it becomes less effective at preventing STI transmission, HIV transmission, or pregnancy.

Ahead, everything you need to know about stealthing, including what the laws are in Canada and what to do if it has happened to you.

The term “stealthing”

While the term stealthing was first coined to name the phenomenon of cisgender men removing a condom in the middle of penetrative anal or vaginal sex, stealthing is now used to refer to the non-consensual removal of any barrier in the middle of any sexual activity.

Stealthing can happen in the middle of anal sex, vaginal sex, oral sex, scissoring, and more.

It is a violation of trust and bodily autonomy, which can have long lasting effects.

Stealthing in Canada

The term stealthing first began appearing in national headlines when it became illegal in California in 2021. The law ultimately set a precedent for laws around the world that followed and continue to follow. Laws vary widely, and while some places have begun to explicitly criminalize the act, others may not yet have specific legislation addressing it. (For example: Just a few days ago stealthing finally became illegal in Queensland, Australia)

People who don’t wear condoms during sex after being told to by their sexual partners regardless of their sexual orientation can be convicted of sexual assault in Canada, according to a Supreme Court of Canada ruling in 2022.

In its unanimous decision, Canada’s top court ruled that stealthing — the act of pretending to use a condom, or removing one prior to sex without the partner’s consent — can violate the legal grounds for consensual sex.

“A complainant who consents to sex on the condition that their partner wear a condom does not consent to sex without a condom,” Justice Sheilah Martin wrote in the majority decision in July 2022.

What to do if stealthing happened to you

If you’ve been stealthed or otherwise assaulted, it can be hard to know where to turn or what steps to take next, especially if you identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Please, try to remember that you’re not alone and that what happened is not your fault. If a case of stealthing happens to you, it is important to see a doctor or nurse practitioner to test for any STIs immediately.

If you have been stealthed by a person who has HIV, you were likely exposed to the virus when the barrier was removed. In this instance, you should talk with a healthcare provider ASAP about postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP can help reduce the likelihood of transmission if you were exposed to the virus. If the person doesn’t know their current STI status, you don’t completely trust their answer, or you don’t feel comfortable asking about their STI status, you could still be a good candidate for PEP. PEP must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of potential HIV exposure to be effective.

You may have also been exposed to any number of STIs including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV, and Hepatitis C. All STIs have a different incubation period (aka the amount of time they need to be in your body before they can be detected by an STI test). But as a general rule, you should plan to get an STI test 2 weeks after the incident, and then again after 2 to 3 months.

The psychological and emotional impact of stealthing can also be severe for some victims. Victims often experience feelings of betrayal, anger, and violation. 

There are, of course, other things to think about including whether you want to file a report — or think you might at some point in the future want to file a report — or press charges. If you do decide to press charges, call or visit your local police station and ask to file a report.

Remember: Stealthing can affect everyone, regardless of their anatomy, gender identity, or sexual orientation.