Stealthing

Stealthing is the act of removing a condom during sex, or failing to put one on when it was agreed upon, without the other person’s knowledge or consent.

In New Zealand, the law is clear: Stealthing is a form of sexual assault. Because consent was given specifically for protected sex, the removal of the condom negates that consent entirely. Under the Crimes Act 1961, this can be prosecuted as sexual violation, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.

1. The Legal Reality: Why it is Sexual Violation

In Aotearoa, consent is “activity-specific.” If you agree to Activity A (sex with a condom) and the person switches to Activity B (sex without a condom) without telling you, they have crossed a legal line.

Fraud/Deception: NZ courts recognize that if consent is obtained through a “mistake” about the nature of the act (in this case, the safety/protection involved), that consent is void.
Increased Risk: Stealthing forces you into risks you did not agree to—specifically the risk of unplanned pregnancy and STIs.
The “Power” Shift: Stealthing is often used as a tactic of power and control, common in domestic abuse cycles to create further dependency.

2. Immediate Steps for Your Health

If you have been stealthed, your physical safety and health are the first priority. In NZ, you can access these services for free:

Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP): Available over the counter at most pharmacies. If you are a victim of SV, many pharmacies provide this for free, or you can get it at a Sexual Health Clinic.
STI Testing: Visit your GP or a Sexual Health Clinic. Tell them what happened; they are trained to be non-judgmental and will offer “prophylactic” treatment (preventative medicine) if needed.
Forensic Medical Exam: If you are considering reporting to the Police, you can have a “Self-Referral” forensic exam at a Sexual Assault Care Centre (like SAATS). You don’t have to decide to report right away; they can store evidence while you think.

3. Your Right to Support (ACC)

You are eligible for the ACC Sensitive Claims service.

No Police Report Needed: You can get 100% funded therapy without ever talking to a police officer.
“The Fog”: It is normal to feel confused, “dirty,” or unsure if it was “bad enough.” ACC therapists are experts in helping you navigate these feelings.
How to start: Call Safe to Talk (0800 044 334) and ask for help finding an ACC-registered therapist.

4. Reporting to the Police

If you decide to report stealthing:

Digital Evidence: If the person admitted to it in a text (e.g., “It felt better without it” or “Don’t worry, I’m clean”), save that screenshot. It is powerful evidence of their knowledge that they didn’t have consent for unprotected sex.
The Interview: You can request a specialist Adult Sexual Assault (ASA) officer. You have the right to have a support person (from Shine or Women’s Refuge) in the room with you.

Key Support for Stealthing Victims

Service	Contact	What they do
Safe to Talk	0800 044 334 / Text 4334	24/7 confidential advice on your options and health steps.
Burnett Foundation	Website	Excellent resources specifically on stealthing and sexual health.
HELP (Auckland)	0800 623 1700	24/7 specialist SV support and medical referrals.

In New Zealand, sexual health care is delivered through a network of specialized public clinics and the national provider Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (formerly Family Planning). These services are confidential, often free for those under 22, and prioritize your safety.

1. Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (National)

With nearly 30 clinics nationwide, this is the most accessible entry point for contraception, STI testing, and the Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP).

Phone: 0800 372 546 (National booking line)
Locations: Clinics are in almost every major town, including Whangārei, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Napier, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill.
Cost: Free for NZ residents under 22. Small fees (approx. $5–$35) apply for adults, often cheaper with a Community Services Card.

2. Specialist Regional Sexual Health Services

These public clinics provide more intensive support, including specialist doctors for complex cases and forensic medical care (SAATS).

Region	Main Clinic Location	Contact Number
Northland	Whangārei (1 James Street)	(09) 430 4101
Auckland	Greenlane Clinical Centre (Main Hub)	0800 739 432
Waikato	Hamilton (222 Pembroke St)	(07) 839 8732
Bay of Plenty	Tauranga & Whakatāne	0800 287 378
Lakes	Rotorua (Rangiora Clinic)	(07) 349 7918
Taranaki	New Plymouth (Taranaki Base Hospital)	(06) 753 7799
Hawke’s Bay	Hastings (Napier Rd)	(06) 870 6100
Wellington	Te Aro (275 Cuba St)	0800 188 881
Canterbury	Christchurch (314 Riccarton Rd)	(03) 364 0485
Southern	Dunedin & Invercargill Hospitals	0800 742 546

3. Immediate “First Steps” Support

If you have experienced sexual violence (SV) and need advice on medical or legal options immediately:

Safe to Talk: Call 0800 044 334 or text 4334. This is the 24/7 national sexual harm helpline. They can tell you exactly which clinic is open nearest to you right now and help you arrange transport if needed.
Forensic Medicals (SAATS): If you wish to collect evidence for a potential police report, you need a Sexual Assault Assessment and Treatment Service. You can access this by calling the 24/7 medical line at 0800 623 1700 (Upper North Island) or via Safe to Talk for the rest of NZ.

4. Privacy & Safety Protocols

Discreet Records: You can ask for your visit to be “off the record” regarding your usual GP. Public sexual health clinics maintain a separate database to ensure your primary doctor (or anyone with access to your general health records) does not see the details of your visit.
Travel Assistance: If you are in a rural area and cannot afford to travel to a regional clinic, contact Victim Support (0800 842 846). They can often provide “Travel and Accommodation” grants for victims of SV to attend medical or legal appointments.

In Auckland, you can access specialized sexual health care at several locations. These clinics are part of the Auckland Regional Sexual Health Service (ARSHS) and Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (formerly Family Planning). They are accustomed to supporting people who have experienced sexual harm and can provide immediate medical care, including the Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) and STI testing.

1. Auckland Regional Sexual Health Service (ARSHS)

These are specialist clinics that offer the highest level of privacy and specialized care for sexual harm.

Central Auckland: Located at Greenlane Clinical Centre (Building 4). This is the main hub and often has the most comprehensive specialist team available.
South Auckland: Located in the Southpoint Shopping Centre, Manukau. This clinic offers evening appointments on Thursdays until 8:00 PM.
West Auckland: Located at 20 Sel Peacock Drive, Henderson. They also offer evening clinics on Thursdays.
North Shore: Located at 418 Glenfield Road, Glenfield.
How to book: You can call their central booking line at 0800 739 432. You can tell the receptionist you need an “urgent check-up” or that you have a “safety concern,” and they will prioritize you.

2. Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (Family Planning)

These clinics are excellent for quick access to contraception and standard STI testing. They have multiple locations across Auckland, including:

Newmarket: Located on Short Street.
Takapuna: Located on Anzac Street.
New Lynn: Located on Totara Avenue.
How to book: You can book online via their website or call 0800 372 546. If you are under 22, the service is usually free.

Important Information for Your Visit

Privacy: You can ask for your records to be “Encounter Only,” meaning they won’t send a letter to your home or a report to your regular GP if you are worried about someone else seeing it.
Support: You are allowed to bring a support person with you. If you don’t have one, you can ask the clinic if they have a “Health Advocate” or nurse who can sit with you.
SAATS (Sexual Assault Assessment and Treatment Service): If you are considering a forensic medical exam (to collect evidence for the Police), the clinicians at these sexual health centers can help you transfer to a SAATS location (such as the one at Greenlane or Middlemore) safely and discreetly.

Emergency Contraception (ECP)

If the clinics are closed and you need the ECP immediately (it is most effective within 24–72 hours):

Pharmacies: Most Auckland pharmacies (like Chemist Warehouse or Life Pharmacy) provide the ECP over the counter. You will need a brief, private consultation with the pharmacist.
After-Hours: Urgent Care clinics (like Shorecare or White Cross) can also provide the ECP and initial STI prophylaxis.