When People Make a Difference

Last Sunday in Toronto something wonderful took place.

The Slutwalk.

If you're not familiar with the story I'll recap it.

A police officer was giving a talk at York's Osgoode Hall to law students. He said that "women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized."

Women can avoid sexual assault if they don't dress like sluts, because dressing like a slut means you're asking for it.

One of my good friends is a law student at York and not only was she present for that ignorant speech, but she and the rest of the audience were horrified to know that that kind of thinking still exists in our law system.

Some incredible women organized an event to take back the word 'slut' and to show people how ignorant this kind of thinking is.

The Slutwalk happened last Sunday and men and women dressed in all manner of clothing marched from Queen's Park to Police headquarters on College St.  I really wish I had been able to go!

If a woman wants to wear a short skirt, power to her for loving her legs and wanting to feel sexy.

If a woman wants to wear a low cut top she should be able to do so without men thinking she's asking for attention.

Even if she is dressed to get attention that is in no way an invitation for sexual assault.

"Slut isn't a look. It's an attitude.

And whether you enjoy sex for pleasure or for work, it's never an invitation for violence."

"Sluts say yes."

No one asks to be raped or sexually assaulted.

Let's stop blaming the victims.

If, like me, you missed out on the Slutwalk, you can still show you care about ending sexual assault. May is sexual assault awareness month.

On May 6th I'll be wearing purple to recognize those who have been sexually assaulted and to bring awareness to the fact that no one asks for it. We need to stop blaming the victims once and for all!