Former Love Island star Megan Barton-Hanson has shared her experience with “stealthing,” a practice she later learned is legally considered rape, highlighting the lack of awareness surrounding this form of sexual violence.
What Is Stealthing?
Stealthing refers to the non-consensual removal of a condom during sex, violating the terms of the initial consent. The act is legally recognized as rape under English and Welsh law, though many remain unaware of its criminal implications.
Megan’s Shocking Revelation
Megan Barton-Hanson revealed she experienced stealthing multiple times with a partner who falsely claimed the condom had broken during intercourse. Speaking to the BBC, the 30-year-old admitted she initially had no idea that this act constituted a crime.
“I just thought it was something to discuss with a partner. I knew it was unfair and unjust, but I didn’t realize it was legally classified as rape,” Megan said.
Her realization came during a recording of the We Need to Talk podcast, where host Paul C. Brunson informed her of the legal definition.
“It took my breath away when I learned it was rape. I had never even heard of stealthing before,” she added.
Megan disclosed that the partner’s repeated actions led to an unwanted pregnancy and an abortion, a harrowing ordeal she described as “shocking.”
A Growing Concern with Limited Awareness
Stealthing remains underreported, partly due to the lack of public understanding. A 2023 University College London survey revealed that over 10% of people aged 18-25 did not consider non-consensual condom removal to be sexual assault.
Andrea Simon, executive director of End Violence Against Women and Girls, emphasized the importance of education:
“If someone violates consent by removing a condom during sex, it is rape. This practice reflects entitlement over someone’s body and is a severe violation of bodily autonomy.”
Legal and Social Implications
The Metropolitan Police classify stealthing as a form of rape under English and Welsh law. However, prosecutions remain rare due to the challenge of proving intent and underreporting by victims who may not recognize the act as a crime.
Ciara Bergman, CEO of Rape Crisis England and Wales, stressed the need for clear terminology:
“Stealthing is not a casual act—it is a form of rape. If consent for sex was given based on condom use, removing the condom without permission invalidates that consent.”
Advice for Victims
Megan urged anyone affected to seek help and share their experiences with someone they trust.
“If you have suspicions or red flags, talk to a friend, and together, reach out to the police. You don’t need to go through it alone,” she advised.
Victims can report incidents anonymously and seek support from organizations like Rape Crisis England and Wales.
Raising Awareness Through Media
The issue gained broader attention following its depiction in the BBC drama I May Destroy You. In one episode, the main character, Arabella, only realizes the seriousness of stealthing after hearing it discussed on a podcast.
This storyline resonated with many, sparking conversations about consent and the need for legal and social acknowledgment of stealthing as sexual violence.
Final Thoughts
Megan Barton-Hanson’s brave disclosure sheds light on an underreported form of sexual violence, urging society to confront and address stealthing as a criminal act. Increased awareness, legal enforcement, and victim support are critical to combating this violation and empowering survivors to seek justice.
