Limerick SLUT WALK Movement

Thursday 8th March 2012

International Women’s Day

The SLUT WALK Movement began on January 24th 2011 in Toronto, Canada when a Police representative for the Toronto Police Force stated his shocking view of sexual assault during a personal safety talk at a University. He told the students “Women should avoid dressing like Sluts in order not to be victimised”!

This statement has preserved the stereotype of “The Slut” and failed women everywhere. Historically, the term slut meant a dirty, slovenly, or untidy woman often in reference to a kitchen maid. The more negative meaning today is mainly aimed at labelling women who are sexually loose or promiscuous.

Sexual Assault is an under reported Crime

Sexual assault is already an under reported crime. According to the statistics from Rape Crisis Network Ireland's 2009 National Rape Crisis Statistics Report 38% of survivors of sexual violence as adults reported to the police, while 26% of all survivors attending Rape Crisis Centre’s reported to the police.

Survivors have now been given less of a reason to report it, out of fear that they could be blamed.  Being sexually assaulted is not about what you wear, it is not even about sex, but this police officer’s statement has tried to rationalise a very serious crime by perpetuating the belief  that it is ok to blame the victim.

Take back the word “Slut”

The SLUT WALK Movement is about taking back the word Slut so that it can no longer be used to oppress or shame women; so that it can no longer be used to judge women’s sexuality or appearance, and it can no longer be used as an insult to wound!

Taking Action to empathise with Survivors of Sexual Assault

The SLUT WALK Movement is also about taking action so that the Gardaí, those forces that are there to serve and protect us when we most need them, those forces who are entrusted with our safety truly empathise with survivors of sexual assault – whether they are labelled as sluts or otherwise.

Join the Limerick SLUT WALK Movement

Join the SLUT WALK Movement here in Limerick City on the 8th March 2012 (International Women’s Day). Support us in raising awareness that no survivor of sexual assault is to blame and help to raise much needed funds for Rape Crisis Mid-West.

All Are Welcome

Any Gender Identification, all races, ages, backgrounds; from anywhere in the city or beyond, ALL ARE WELCOME to join us. You do not need to wear your sexual tastes on your sleeve, we just ask that you come along and walk with us or hold a bucket for Rape Crisis Mid-West.

The Limerick SLUT WALK Movement is supported by LIT Gender Equality Society. For more information or to sign up to walk like us on Facebook at LIT Gender Equality Society or follow us on Twitter @ LIT SLUTWALK.