What is Stealthing and What Michigan Victims Can Do to Get Help

If you read the title to this and you know what stealthing is, you probably already understand the gravity of what we're about to discuss. For those of you who don't, this is going to come with a trigger warning, so keep that in mind.

Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault

Normally, I write a lot about happy or funny things, because that's something I think we could all use a bit more of in our lives. However, you will find my writings today in stark contrast to my normal ones because of what we're talking about: Stealthing.

If you don't know what stealthing is, stealthing is "the act of removing or tampering with a condom during sexual intercourse without the knowledge or consent of one’s partner". And part of the reason I'm talking about this today is because it happened to someone close to me. I've been given permission to tell this story in hopes that it will help others who've been affected.

Is Stealthing Illegal in Michigan?

Stealthing is illegal in the state of Michigan. In 2021, a bill was passed that updated criminal sexual conduct laws "to include stealthing as a form of sexual penetration without consent." This is a form of rape. And Michigan is one of the few states that actually has laws that define stealthing as rape.

This act is not only a serious violation of the law and of the trust and consent between partners, it opens the non-consenting party up to the potential of pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

What Can Victims of Stealthing Do?

If you or someone you know has been a victim of stealthing, it's important to seek help. Medical, emotional, and legal help. You don't have to do this alone. There are people that will have your back and help bring you justice.

Also know that the National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-656-4673.