Nonconsensual Condom Removal or Stealthing: A Case Study

NCCR is a form of sexual violence that complicates the traumatic physical and emotional experience of sexual assault. Correlates to victimization include being a racial or sexual minority and being in nonexclusive, noncommitted relationships, or transactional relationships. Decreased confidence, guilt and worry, fear, depression, or a history of sexual abuse are correlates to being a victim.

To present a case of nonconsensual condom removal (NCCR), also known as stealthing, in a 25-year-old transexual male sexual assault patient.

A 25-year-old transexual male, hereafter known as AK, presented to the emergency department (ED) requesting to be seen by a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE). The partner put the condom on; during sex, AK could see that the condom was no longer in place. He asked the man to stop but was ignored. Thoughtful care was given during the exam, with attention to patient preference about use of a speculum. Prophylactic treatment for sexually transmitted infections, human immunodeficiency virus, and pregnancy were indicated and given. Follow-up care with an advocacy agency was provided. Research, policy, and practice must be developed to address this increasingly common practice.