Congresswoman Torres Reintroduces Legislation to Strengthen Legal Protections for Survivors of Stealthing
The two bills protect victims of nonconsensual condom removal, known as ‘stealthing'
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres reintroduced two bills designed to strengthen legal protections for survivors of sexual violence, specifically targeting nonconsensual condom removal, also known as "stealthing." The bills, introduced at the close of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, to provide crucial legal recourse and financial support for victims of sexual assault.
In 2021, California became the first state to make it a civil offense for someone to remove a condom without their partner’s consent. Since then, Maine and Washington State have passed similar laws.
The first bill, the Consent is Key Act, seeks to empower states to pass laws allowing civil damages for victims of stealthing by increasing funding for federal domestic violence programs. This would support survivors in their efforts to seek justice and compensation.
The second bill, the Stealthing Act of 2025, would create a federal civil right of action, allowing survivors of nonconsensual condom removal to pursue civil lawsuits against perpetrators for monetary damages.
“Stealthing is not just an invasion of trust; it is a traumatic violation with far-reaching consequences, including unintended pregnancies and the risk of sexually transmitted infections,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “It is critical that we provide survivors with every tool they need to pursue justice, whether that’s through civil court or stronger state protections. With these bills, we send a clear message: survivors are not alone, and we are committed to helping them heal and seek accountability.”
To read the Consent is Key Act, visit here.
To read the Stealthing Act of 2025, visit here.
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