Slut Walk UK

However we dress 

& where ever we go

YES means YES

& NO means NO!

Chants such as this were heard through the streets of the UK last week in demonstrations called  'Slutwalks' which support the victims of sexual assault reinforcing that there are not the ones to blame. The demonstrations stem from a comment made by a Canadian Policeman who said "women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimised."

The demonstrations involved women marching through the streets dressed however they want in the attempt to prove that you should be able to dress how you want, go where you want and do whatever you want without the threat of sexual assault.

But is branding yourself a 'slut' the best way to go about it?

There is no situation, environment or culture that should deem rape acceptable. No matter who the victim is, how they are dressed or where they are. It is unacceptable! But it still happens. There are far too many stories in the newspapers about sexual assaults and these are only the ones which have been reported. They happen any time of day, any part of the country on a variety of women young or old, fat or thin, wearing joggies or a mini skirt.

So maybe instead of parading about the streets calling yourself a slut and supporting the victims of rape you could come together to prevent it? Again I reinforce the point that no one deserves to be raped but this doesn't mean that women should walk the streets alone late at night wearing little clothing in the naive hope that the law can protect them. In the same way that a man would feel uneasy in the same situation for fear of being mugged.

I feel that the term 'slut' is a hindrance to the group of protesters. Slut is a derogatory term that was first used in the 13th century which is used usually to describe a female who is known to regularly engage in sexual activity with a number of individuals. Hardly how any woman would want to be perceived.  

Instead why not protest for harder sentencing for rapists which is as it stands a minimum of 5 years in custody. There are various degrees of assault that cause the sentencing to vary. Which can result in the rapist to be back on the streets faster than the victim can even begin to recover. Or demonstrate your support in increasing the number of police officers on the street? How about demanding a stronger network for rape victims allowing them the freedom and safety to come forward and report their ordeal?

No matter the circumstances sexual assault will not be tolerated.