On Saturday, September 22, 2012,
Richmond will be having its first annual SlutWalk event. Before you gasp, SlutWalk was a small idea turned grassroots movement that originated in Toronto in April 2011. Its main purpose was to abolish the blame that is often placed on victims of rape and to remove the power of suggestions that victims are “asking for it” when they dress like “sluts."
Although the word “slut” is offensive to most, the label was the specific word used by a male Toronto police officer, who stated that women “should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.” Speaking to a group of young lawyers, the officer’s candid and unfavorable statement motivated the students to start this rousing cause.
Not only is this SlutWalk unique because it is the FIRST in Richmond, but also because it is meant to be a time of healing for the many victims of sexual assault.
As Helen Rogers, organizer for the walk, puts it, “ it’s not only an awareness journey, it’s a healing journey. We want people to know that they can heal and that they can survive.”
The walk will start at 11:30 AM in Monroe Park and end at Fountain Lake in Byrd Park. The event is FREE and participants are encouraged to dress how THEY want. Following the walk, there will be several guest speakers along with an open mic for survivors to share their story. The full route can be found at www.slutwalkrichmond.org
Volunteers are still needed for the event. For more information, contact Helen Rogers at slutwalkrichmond@gmail.com
Make sure to ‘like’ the Facebook page and follow them on Twitter to receive updates!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlutWalkRichmondVa
Twitter: @slutwalkrva
If you or someone you know is suffering from a sexual assault, help can be found at many local Richmond organizations like SAFE Harbor (http://safeharborshelter.com) and YWCA(http://www.ywcarichmond.org)
(Photo credit for photo above: Mustafa Quraishi/AP)
