A legal epidemiology analysis of state civil provisions addressing non-consensual condom removal (stealthing) in the United States
摘要
Non-consensual condom removal, or stealthing, is increasingly recognized as a distinct form of sexual harm with population health and legal implications. While empirical studies continue to document the psychological and physical consequences of this act, legal responses in the U.S. remain limited and inconsistent. This study applies a legal epidemiology framework to examine the statutory landscape of civil remedies for stealthing across four U.S. states. Through systematic policy surveillance and coding, the analysis reveals significant variation in terminology, consent standards, scope of prohibited conduct, and survivor protections. While California uniquely uses the term ‘stealthing,’ other states rely on descriptive language that may obscure public understanding or survivor resonance. Similarly, standards of consent and available remedies vary, with only Washington and Vermont including explicit privacy protections. Findings highlight the need for broader, standardized statutory definitions that align with survivor experiences, support trauma-informed legal processes, and promote equitable access to civil justice. These results underscore the importance of law as a structural determinant of population health and the need to address underrecognized forms of sexual consent violations.