We marched from the White House to the Washington Monument. Speakers from various organizations and survivors addressed a crowd of over 1000 people. Allied organizations provided SlutWalkers with information and resources at booths, getting people active and involved! BECAUSE WE’VE HAD ENOUGH! On January 24th, 2011, a representative of the Toronto Police gave shocking insight into the Force’s view
of s*xual assault by stating: “women should avoid dressing like s***s 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 s*xual assault already a significantly under-reported crime, survivors have now been given even 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 s*x; but using a pejorative term to rationalize inexcusable behaviour creates an environment in which it’s okay to blame the victim. Historically, the term ‘slut’ has carried a predominantly negative connotation. Aimed at those who are s*xually promiscuous, be it for work or pleasure, it has primarily been women who have suffered under the burden of this label. And whether dished out as a serious indictment of one’s character or merely as a flippant insult, the intent behind the word is always to wound, so we’re taking it back. “Slut” is being re-appropriated. We are tired of being oppressed by slut-shaming; of being judged by our s*xuality and feeling unsafe as a result. Being in charge of our s*xual lives should not mean that we are opening ourselves to an expectation of violence, regardless if we participate in s*x for pleasure or work. No one should equate enjoying s*x with attracting s*xual assault. We are a movement demanding that our voices be heard. We are here to call foul on our Police Force and demand change. We want Toronto Police Services to take serious steps to regain our trust. 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 s*xual assault — slt or otherwise. We are tired of speeches filled with lip service and the apologies that accompany them. What we want is meaningful dialogue and we are doing something about it: WE ARE COMING TOGETHER. Not only as women, but as people from all gender expressions and orientations, all walks of life, levels of employment and education, all races, ages, abilities, and backgrounds, from all points of this city and elsewhere. We are asking you to join us for SlutWalk, to make a unified statement about s*xual assault and victims’ rights and to demand respect for all. You needn't claim the word slt for yourself; whether a fellow slt or simply an ally, you don’t have to wear your s*xual proclivities on your sleeve, we just ask that you come. Any gender-identification, any age. Singles, couples, parents, sisters, brothers, children, friends. Come walk or roll or strut or holler or stomp with us. Join us in our mission to spread the word that those those who experience s*xual assault are not the ones at fault, without exception. Follow us on Twitter:
To DONATE: http://www.slutwalkdc.com/ #!donate/c1ghi
