2023 CAMPAIGNS
CAMPAIGN
Stealthing is a serious form of sexual violence which can leave an enormous lasting impact on individuals who have experienced it. However, convictions of stealthing in Scotland are low - the police currently do not track for cases of stealthing or non-consensual condom removal (NCCR). It is currently illegal in Scotland but there has been only one prosecution. Without specific legislation, victim-survivors are left in a legal grey area and are often left to cope without adequate emotional support. In fact, many victim-survivors are not even aware that what they experience is all too common and is a form of sexual assault.
MAKE STEALTHING ILLEGAL
CHALLENGE LEGAL AMBIGUITY.
stealthing noun /stelθiŋ/
the non-consensual removal or tampering of a barrier method of contraception before or during a sexual encounter
To understand the prevalence and awareness of stealthing within Scotland we conducted a public survey. From this we found that only 69% (152) of respondents were aware of what stealthing entailed before completing the survey. Concerningly, we also found that out of the 219 respondents who completed the survey, 34 had experienced stealthing and another 69 said they knew of someone who had been stealthed.
The Scottish Government feels the legal provisions it has in place for prosecuting and educating about stealthing are sufficient. We fundamentally disagree. CERT argues that stealthing must be explicitly criminalised so as to provide for victim-survivors. A specific law would remove all legal ambiguity and provide a way for those who experience stealthing to seek justice. Our demands are echoed by our findings:
“I think myself and everyone I know has felt disgusting and violated after it. You feel totally uncomfortable in your own body, knowing that you didn’t consent to this. It’s a horrible experience and it is so normalised.”
93% OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS BELIEVED STEALTHING SHOULD BE AGAINST THE LAW
CERT has also launched a petition. With enough signatures, we can show the Scottish government the prevalence of this issue and the injustices it permits. By petitioning for a change in law, all legal ambiguity would be removed. Through working with our communities, we will raise awareness and build a collective, inclusive approach to tackle this form of sexual violence.
This starts with an awareness campaign. Educating the public about stealthing and raising awareness will change attitudes and reduce the prevalence of stealthing, whilst also making it easier for those who are stealthed to report these offences to the police.
31.5% of respondents know someone who has experienced stealthing
We implore anyone and everyone to share our campaign and sign our petition so we can educate against and end stealthing, and ultimately one more barrier between us and a world where sexual violence of all kinds is prevented.
All artwork and graphics were contributed to CERT Scotland by artists Katy Tulloch, Sophie Pywell and Katie Leeming
