The impact of non-consensual condom removal (NCCR) on sexual self-esteem, relationship communication and relationship functioning
Research by the Cairnmillar Institute.
NCCR is defined as when a sexual partner removes the condom during the act without the other person’s knowledge or consent. NCCR is relatively new in respect to sexual assault legislation. In Australia, the ACT, Tasmania, NSW, and Victoria have introduced legislation criminalising NCCR starting in 2021.
A study done in 2018 at a sexual health clinic in Melbourne reported that over 41.2% of females and 30.9% of men who have sex with men have experienced NCCR. The participants reported experiencing anxiety and depression after the event. NCCR may put individuals at risk of unwanted pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. The misconduct may have the same effects on mental health as other forms of sexual assault, such as the presentation of PTSD symptoms.
The current study aims to understand the long-term impact of NCCR on individuals in terms of their sexual self-esteem, communication patterns, and overall relationship functioning.
Who can participate in the study?
For a person to participate in this study you must be 18 years of age or over, have been in at least one intimate relationship (a romantic and sexual couple relationship with any degree of commitment, exclusivity, or duration) where you and your partner have used a condom during sex and reside in Australia. You do not need to have experienced NCCR to participate - we are interested in hearing from people who haven’t experienced NCCR to compare any similarities and differences that can be found between people who have experienced NCCR and people who have not.
What does participation involve?
To participate in this study, you will need access to the internet for 15-minutes. Participation is voluntary and anonymous. As well as asking general questions about your background (age, gender, sexual orientation, country of residence, relationship status etc), we will be asking whether participants have experienced non-consensual condom removal during a sexual encounter. We will also be asking questions about your relationships and your self-esteem. There are some examples of the kinds of questions we will be asking below:
Has someone deliberately damaged a condom before having sex with you?
How much do you agree with the statement ‘both my partner and I avoid discussing the problem’?
How much do you agree with the statement ‘I feel I am pretty good at sex’?
How much do you agree with the statement ‘I am scared of the feelings I might experience if a romantic relationship ends’?
You can withdraw from the study at any time but should be aware that as you progress through the questionnaire your data will be saved, and it will not be possible to remove your responses later as you will be anonymous.