Prevalence of Non-Consensual Condom Removal (Stealthing) in Female Sex Work and Its Association with Perceived Discrimination in Athens, Greece

Abstract

The study aims to investigate the rates of stealthing, the nonconsensual condom removal in sex, and its association with perceived discrimination and negative mental health impact among female sex workers (FSWs) who live and work in Athens, Greece. Methods: In this quantitative study, we measured perceived discrimination, mental health, and incidents of stealthing using a self-administered questionnaire. Seventy-one FSWs, beneficiaries of the community center for sex workers’ empowerment, Red Umbrella Athens, participated in the survey. Results: Forty-five (63.4%) participants reported that they have experienced stealthing. The majority of victims (88.6%) reported having faced stealthing during sex work, while 38.6% reported having suffered stealthing more than once. FSWs who had experienced stealthing were more likely to report higher perceived discrimination and worse psychological health than those who had never experienced nonconsensual condom removal. Conclusion: Stealthing is a common violation against sex workers and is strongly associated with discrimination and mental health issues. Health professionals should screen for stealthing incidents when working with sex workers. Additionally, there should be policies that acknowledge stealthing as sexual assault.