SlutWalk

The title may throw some people off. What feminist organizers of Slutwalk are trying to do is stop having women being accused "of asking for it" when they are sexually assaulted. The goal of the event is the raise awareness of the dangers of sexual assault.

SlutWalk is coming to NYC!

SlutWalk first began in Toronto, where on January 24th 2011, a representative of the Toronto Police gave shocking insight into the Force's view of sexual assault by stating: women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized".

As the city's major protective service, the Toronto Police have perpetuated the myth and stereotype of 'the slut', and in doing so have failed us. With sexual assault already a significantly under-reported crime, survivors have now been given less of a reason to go to the Police, for fear that they could be blamed. Being assaulted isn't about what you wear; it's not even about sex; but using a pejorative term to rationalize inexcusable behaviour creates an environment in which it's okay to blame the victim.

Last year seven women reported being sexually assaulted at the University of South Florida. Only two of two reported cases resulted in arrests.

In August, a freshman said she was raped after a party by two men who took the sleepy woman back to her room. Afterward, she ran for help, and police searched her room for evidence. She gave them the names of the men she said attacked her, and police collected their DNA.

But prosecutors said proving a lack of consent beyond a reasonable doubt would be difficult.

It doesn't matter if the young women ran from the men. She may have "asked" for sex.

Prosecutors didn't want to handle the USF cases because the women knew the men. The fact is women are more likely to be raped by someone they know. The legality is difficult and there is the possibility that a mentally unstable woman could accuse an innocent man. However, the lack of prosecutions are going to make sexually assaulted USF students less likely to go to law enforcement. What woman would want to be accused of asking to be sexually assaulted and watching the perpetrator go free.

SlutWalk will be held on August 20th between 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. A location has in New York City has yet to be named. Contact slutwalknyc@gmail.com for more information.