Thousands do SlutWalk in Toronto to protest police officer’s remark
Toronto, April 4 : In what could possibly be the world’s first such SlutWalk, thousands of young women and men came out on the street of Toronto Sunday to protest a Toronto police officer’s remarks that dressing like a slut is an invitation to rape.
With many dressed provocatively and dancing to the beat of drums , the protesters marched from the state assembly to Toronto Police headquarters to demand punishment for the police officer.
“Just cause I am a slut doesn’t mean I want to be raped,” said one female protester.
Condemning the comment that suggestive dressing in invitation to sexual assault, another protester said, “Anyone can be a slut. The most respected, powerful woman can be degraded down to nothing because of what she’s wearing.”
Protest leaders said, “We 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.”
Protest organizer Jeanette Janzen said “SlutWalk” is aimed to condemn the long-held belief that a woman’s way of dressing “makes you a target.”
The protest was triggered by remarks from city police constable Michael Sanguinetti who during a campus safety session with students in January suggested that girls can avoid sexual assaults by not dressing like a slut.
Toronto Police chief Bill Blair said the cop was “inexperienced” and uttered “something stupid and he has apologized.”
The organizers said they expected only a few hundred protesters, but thousands turned up to put police in the dock.
![slutwalklondon:
SlutWalk London Posters now available! Please print and redistribute!
Download them here: http://bit.ly/lYz4bl
Spread the word and join us!
[Image: Poster for Slutwalk London event reading “Was I asking for it? Did I deserve it? Slutwalk London. Freedom. Tolerance. Education. Saturday 4th June. Meet 1PM Trafalgar Square. Make it known that those who experience sexual assault are never the ones at fault. Show your pride. Have some fun. Everyone welcome. Walk, Roll, Holler or Stomp with us. Facebook: SlutWalkLondonUK. Twitter: SlutWalkLondon. SlutWalkLondon.Tumblr.com In solidarity with SlutWalk Toronto.”]](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkh6a7darB1qjuz5yo1_250.png)
SlutWalk Denver: SlutWalk Denver is officially a partner of SlutWalk Toronto!
CANADA
SlutWalk Sackville
APRIL 4th
Facebook invite here. Sluts & Allies unite!+
SlutWalkYK
APRIL 9th
Facebook invite here. Sluts & Allies unite!+
‘London’s Solidarity SlutWalk’.
APRIL 10th
Facebook invite here. Sluts & Allies unite!+
SlutWalk Ottawa
APRIL…
Feminist Media: If you haven’t heard of the SlutWalk, where have you been?
The first SlutWalk started off in Toronto on April 3rd, and followed in places such as Ottawa and London, and is coming soon to Vancouver on May 15. The SlutWalk was a response to a Toronto Police Officer who, in talking to the community, said that in order to avoid sexual assaults “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.”
Of course, outrage occurred. It’s horrifying that today slut-shaming still goes on. Furthermore, what was said is a horrifying testament to police culture: that instead of the Toronto police advocating “don’t rape” they are trying to teach women how not to get raped. The walk is to show solidarity. The walk is to say that no matter how one dresses, it is not as excuse for rape.
But as I read the Facebook page for the Vancouver SlutWalk there, among the many, many positive comments, were posts full of opposition and misunderstandings. Often I saw people who, while they might mean well, asked, “Is there really a need for such a walk?” or, even more sadly, “I know it isn’t a reason to rape, but maybe people should dress less provocatively as a precaution?”
YES, there is a need for a walk such as this. WHY should a woman not feel free to dress however she wants? There’s nothing wrong with a healthy sexual appetite and dress is a freedom of choice, equating that with negativity is what is wrong. Blaming the victim is not okay.Some people feel that the name, SlutWalk, isn’t appropriate for a march against sexual assault victim blaming. I empathize that they feel the name will take away from the cause. Stronger opponents argue that the name is contrary to feminism as a whole. I just happen to disagree on both accounts. As in other cases where certain causes have adopted the names that formally shamed them, this is a moment to take back the word slut. To take the power away from those who use it and return it to those it is used against.
Regardless of the opinions being negative or positive, I think this is a great opportunity to talk about this huge issue and feminism in general. It brings forth people from all walks of life and that’s a start.
