Okay, I know the title of this post is a little jarring, but let me explain. The SlutWalk protest marches began on April 3, 2011, in Toronto, Canada, and has since gathered support all over the world. The purpose of the SlutWalk is to protest the practice of explaining away sexual assault and/or rape based on how a woman dresses. These protests are a result of a statement made by Toronto police officer Constable Michael Sanguinetti. Earlier this year, Officer Sanguinetti spoke at a safety forum at York University. During his speech, Officer Sanguinetti remarked that women should avoid dressing like sluts so as to not be victimized. Oh no he didn’t!
But he did, and in response to Officer Sanguinetti’s insensitive remarks, Sonya JF Barnett and Heather Jarvis co-founded SlutWalk Toronto. According to its website, SlutWalk Toronto is determined to send the message to the Toronto Police Department that women “want to feel that we will be respected and protected should we ever need them, but more importantly be certain that those charged with our safety have a true understanding of what it is to be a survivor of sexual assault — slut or otherwise.” Additionally, the mission of SlutWalk Toronto is “to spread the word that those who experience sexual assault are not the ones at fault, without exception.” Sounds like a great cause, right?
On April 3, 2011, over 3,000 people gathered at Queen’s Park in Toronto for the 1st annual SlutWalk. The SlutWalk included speeches and workshops, as well as a spirited march to Toronto Police Headquarters. Many women took it a step further by dressing in provocative clothing…their interpretation of how an actual slut would dress.
Since Toronto, the SlutWalk has gathered support all over the world. Minneapolis, Denver, Seoul, London, Sydney, Mexico City, Delhi, Los Angeles, Chicago…the list is remarkable! In fact the inspiration, and research, for this post arose when I became aware of the SlutWalk NYC march and rally held on October 1, 2011. Regardless of the city, the purpose of all of the SlutWalks is to bring awareness to erroneous blaming of victims of sexual assault and/or rape. 
So, here is my two cents regarding the SlutWalk movement: I generally think the idea behind the protests are great. Allocating blame to women who have been sexually assaulted and/or raped is never acceptable. The way a woman dresses should not be considered when judging the state of mind of an assailant. The blame and shame should always remain with the perpetrator…always!
What’s worse is when members of law enforcement transfer their frustrations on the prevalence of sex-based crimes to the victims. The mission of SlutWalk NYC says it best: “No matter who you are, No matter where you work, No matter how you identify, No matter how you flirt, No matter what you wear, No matter whom you choose to love, No matter what you said before: NO ONE has the right to touch you without your consent.”
While the overall mission of the SlutWalk is to challenge “rape culture, victim-blaming and slut-shaming,” there are many who criticize the use of the word “slut” to describe the protests. Honestly, I don’t have a problem with the use of the word…it is a strong word for an equally strong problem. Sometimes, it is necessary to use uncomfortable terms to draw necessary attention to issues confronting our society. Remember, it was the use of the term “slut” that started all of this.
Have you all heard of the SlutWalk movement? How do you feel about it?
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