First St. John's SlutWalk aimed at stopping victim-blaming
Organizers say many victims fearful of reporting sexual assault
A protest march with a provocative name that aims to put an end to "rape culture" will take place in Newfoundland and Labrador next month.
A SlutWalk will be held in downtown St. John's on June 14.
Since it began in 2011, SlutWalks have been held in over 200 communities around the world.
The walk challenges the notion that what a woman wears makes her responsible for sexual assault.
Originating in Toronto, it was created in response to a police officer's comment that, "women should avoid dressing like sluts" in order not to be victimized.
Fear of speaking out
Jenny Wright, executive director of the St. John's Status of Women Council, is a main organizer of the St. John's SlutWalk.
She sees many sexual assault victims who are scared to speak out for fear of blame, and many who do come forward but never see justice.
"SlutWalk makes us look at the ways in which language and culture leads to victim-blaming," said Wright. "It head-on attacks this myth that somehow what you were wearing or what you were drinking was the cause of assault against you."
'It head-on attacks this myth that somehow what you were wearing or what you were drinking was the cause of assault against you.- Jenny Wright, St. John's Status of Women Council
Wright says recent events like the Jian Ghomeshi scandal and the attention surrounding Beaconsfield Junior High's dress code emphasize the need for a SlutWalk.
She acknowledges that the word "slut" is provocative, but says that calling the walk something so controversial causes a crucial dialogue.
"It forces us to look at our infected language. It forces us to look at how certain words, especially the word slut, denigrates women and denigrates their sexuality," said Wright.
"If you push that word down then another one will come up in its place. So it's better to open it up and really discuss it. Because we can change that word, we can take the power out of that word. But if we pretend to push it down, it's still there."
Participants can 'express whatever they want'
While some people choose to wear scanty clothing for the walk, Wright says individuals should wear whatever they feel comfortable in.
"Some people will come in just jeans and a T-shirt, some people will make more of a statement. There is absolutely no dress code, people should come and express whatever they want to express."
The SlutWalk begins at 2 p.m. at Harbourside Park, with speeches from feminist activists, including co-founder of the SlutWalk movement, Heather Jarvis. The march will go through George Street and end at City Hall.
Wright says they had no trouble obtaining a permit for the walk from the City of St. John's, and that the RNC has agreed to provide an escort. All people, regardless of gender, are welcome.
The SlutWalk is being organized and supported by several local groups, including the NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre, the NL Federation of Labour, and St. John's Pride.