Experiences of Stealthing and the Sociodemographic Profiles of Women Victims in Brazil: A National Study

Abstract

Stealthing is the removal of a condom during sexual intercourse without the consent of one’s partner. Despite considerable media attention devoted to the trend, limited empirical research has examined how women experienced stealthing. This study aimed to contribute toward generating empirical evidence to guide the discussion surrounding stealthing. It is the first empirical research at a national level in Brazil. An online survey was conducted among 2275 women over 18 who experienced stealthing. The study analyzes these women’s sociodemographic profiles and how they experienced stealthing. Most were white, young, had a religion, were highly educated, and belonged to the Brazilian middle class. They usually experienced stealthing during their youth, and the perpetrator was a cisgender man. Most of them did not look for the morning-after pill and post-exposure prophylaxis after the occurrence and never told anyone about this experience. They stated that the perpetrator should be punished. Women reported contracting sexually transmitted infections, experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, or having an illegal abortion. In conclusion, the high incidence of stealthing in the country is notable, which should generate more discussions at academic and legal levels, creating specific laws on the subject so that victims could have more support.