In recent years, there has been an important public alarm over the increasing cases of theft (that is, by removing a condom during sexual intercourse without the consent or knowledge of the other part). It is a sexual offense with serious physical, psychological and emotional consequences for victims.
Fortunately, the theft is classified as a criminal offense in countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Canada.
What is stealing?
The steal, which translates into “secret” or “secretly”, is the act of removing a condom during sexual intercourse without the other person’s consent, misleading them to believe that they are still used.
The term was created by US lawyer Alexandra Brodsky in an article published in The Columbia Journal of Gender and Law. He revealed that the essence of stealing lies in the deception that violates the consent and confidence of the other participant, undermining their sexual autonomy and security. Brondsky said,
“If one consents to a particular sexual act by using contraception and unilaterally change the terms of this agreement in the middle of the action, it is a sexual offense.”
Legal theft requirements as an offense
In Spain, the Madrid District Court sentenced a man to two years in prison for sexual abuse, having been involved in sexual intercourse without condoms, despite the fact that he agreed to use one. The case was classified as theft, described as “subtle removal, omission or inability to use a condom during all or part of a sexual meeting, despite the fact that it was agreed or required by the partner as a condition for consent.”
In this case, the woman agreed to sexual intercourse provided that a condom was used. With his removal, the man violated his consent, resulting in a non -crowded act that violated his sexual freedom.
In order to be considered sexual abuse (or sexual assault on current legal terms), it must entail mutual agreement on the use of condoms and a party removes it without the consent of the other, through the “deception, concealment or disguised action”, pretending to He still wears it.
Legal consequences of theft
In 2021, California became the first American state to pass a stealing county – a handful of states followed its example. The rest of the states that do not yet have immediate laws on theft can prosecute it in other statutes such as sexual assault or battery.
In addition, stealing can be persecuted as an attack if the perpetrator has a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and knowingly infects their partner by removing the condom.
If you or someone you know you have experienced theft, consult a legal professional to explore your choices.
Causes of theft
Although this practice is not new, it was widely caused by 2021, when Naim Darrechi’s influence boasted the internet to deceive its partners, claiming to be sterile to avoid condoms. His reasoning? “I can’t, it’s very difficult with a condom. That’s why I never use one. At some point, I thought,” it’s strange I haven’t got anyone pregnant after all these years. “
This “difficulty with condoms” is a common excuse, often accompanied by statements such as “I feel nothing”, “I don’t like it” or “it’s too tight”. Since condoms like MESMERIZE (The thinnest on the market) are just 0.045 mm thick – beets as thin as human hair – and the risks of pregnancy and the serious SI consequences, these excuses are outrageous.
Another motivation for theft is the sense of right to “spread one’s seed”. Alexandra Brodsky’s 2017 study analyzed online forums where men encouraged each other to remove condoms without the consent of their partners. The primary excuse was that ejaculation within women was a “natural male right”.
This concept has an annoying dual impact: contraception violation to cause pregnancy without consent and the patriarchal idea of women as objects of male pleasure, without autonomy. Steal becomes a form of claim, punishment or humiliation.
Consequences for the victims of theft
The most obvious consequences are unwanted pregnancies or STDs (such as gonorrhea, chlamydia or HIV), with all relevant physical and emotional effects. Victims asked by Brodsky reported that they feel a deep breach of their sexual integrity, associated with fears from these results.
Another deeply harmful consequence is the sense of violation– their body, autonomy and dignity. Many victims need psychological treatment to overcome the trauma, especially when the law was committed by a credible friend or stable partner.
How to prevent and deal with stealing
Prevention
- Inspect the condom before sexual activity to make sure it is intact.
- Check periodically during contact to confirm that it has not been removed.
- If possible, bring your own condoms and apply them yourself.
- Consider using a female condom, which is wider, thinner, pre-dilapidated, and offers additional protection from STDs. It can also be introduced hours before sexual intercourse and worn only after ejaculation without losing effectiveness.
What to happen if it happens
- Report immediately. Call emergency services or law enforcement (the National Sexual attack line is available 24 hours at +1 (800) 656-4673). They will protect you, provide medical and psychological support and collect evidence of prosecution.
- Look for medical care. Even if you do not report the incident, seek urgent contraception, STI tests and psychological support.
- Don’t blame yourself. The error lies entirely to the perpetrator, not you. Ask for solidarity from professionals and support groups.
Theft is a violation of consent, autonomy and trust. By facing legal and socially, we can protect the victims and keep the offenders responsible.
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