There is no denying the fact that sexual violence on college campuses is a valid concern and a problem that cannot be ignored. The national statistics regarding this type of violence on college campuses is alarming. Here are just a few of them:
- Most survivors of sexual assault are full - time students. One third are first year college students between the ages of 17 and 19.
- In a study by the U.S. Centers for Disease control of 5,000 college students at over 100 colleges, 20% of women answered "yes" to the question "In your lifetime have you been forced to submit to sexual intercourse against your will?" Thus, one in five college women has been raped at some point in her lifetime. (2)
- One in four women report experiences that meet the legal definition of rape or attempted rape.(1)
- in a typical academic year, 3% of college women report surviving rape or attempted rape. This does not include the summer, when many more rapes occur. (3)
With this in mind, students in Toronto have recently started a controversial movement known as Slutwalk. It is said to be the most successful feminist action in the past twenty years. The Power of Slutwalks article featured in Inside Higher Ed explains that the movement was provoked by comment a Toronto police officer made to York University students. The unnamed officer stated that "women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized." Since the first Slutwalk in Toronto, students have taken action in over 75 cities and countries from New York City to South Africa and Ireland.
At the University of Wyoming another incident took place involving a female student. With the University's new smoke - free campus policy, students must leave campus if they choose to smoke. A female student raised concern that leaving the campus to smoke would increase her risk of being sexually assaulted. A representative of the student government responded by telling her that if she was concerned she should not smoke. This response, insinuating that women have a role in being sexually assaulted, fueled a Slutwalk that was put together by students in less than a week.
The movement's mission ist to demand respect for victims of sexual assault. Those involved are trying to portray the message that women should be free of violence regardless of how they dress. As one organizer put it, "the event is in protest of a culture that we think is too permissive when it comes to rape and sexual assault." As of now, there is no established office to unite all of these walks. They seem to be popping up in response to strong emotions, and abundant energy to take a stand.
Slutwalks are being compared to the well known event, Take Back the Night. TBTN was started in Philadelphia in October of 1975. These events unite victims and advocates with rallies, marches and candlelight vigils. In general these events tend to be more somber in nature compared to the recent Slutwalks. Slutwalk participants have been seen dancing (including pole dancing), holding signs and wearing clothing with slogans like "Sluts Pay Taxes" and "I love Sluts".
The name Slutwalk has been quite controversial since its creation. I have to admit that I am a bit uncomfortable using it. The word slut is defined by the dictionary as a "dirty, slovenly women and an immoral dissolute women; prostitute." In addition to the proper definition, it is a very negatively charged, offensive word for many. Participants of a Slutwalk in Boston explain that they are trying to take back the word " slut" and where it as a badge of pride. Regardless of whether or not people find the events name offensive, it is sure to capture attention. Katie Koestner a speaker at many TBTN events explains that she sees not place for the word (slut) in the fight against sexual assault. For some, including Koestner, it is difficult to embrace a movement that embraces this word.
Regardless of the fact that the name of this new event is difficult to hear, students across college campuses are taking action to fight against sexual violence. Their message is loud and clear and people are taking notice. In some cases it takes a name like Slutwalk to get people to take a second look.
1.Warsaw, R. I Never Called it Rape. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1994.
2.Douglas, K. A. et al. "Results From the 1995 National College Health Risk Behavior Survey." Journal of American College Health46 (1997): 55-66.
3.Tjaden, P., and N. Thoennes. "Prevalence, Incidence, and Consequences of Violence Against Women: Findings From the National Violence Against Women Survey," 2-5, Research in Brief, Washington, D.C.: National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice, 1998.
Honestly, when I first heard the term "slutwalk" I was quite appalled! I couldn't believe that women would take part of any organization that had signs that displayed "slut pride". Once I read more of the article that I, too, came across, I started to understand the importance of such demonstrations. "Women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized." Wow, that was a harsh statement. And who defines what dressing like a slut means and does this individual now and have statistics that women that are sexually abused are the women who dress in such a manner? My guess would be that it is not necessarily! I have an college friend that was a very nice, conservative, christian gal that was a victim of sexual assault. I would not think it depends on the looks, size or dress of a women - if a perpetrator is planning on sexual assault or has such tendencies it will happen regardless.
ReplyDeleteNow back to the idea of "what's in a name", I was appalled when I heard the name but as I found out the purpose and the meaning, I don't think if it was call "women against victims of sexual assault" that the impact would be near the same. The name is creating controversy and people to ask questions or read more of the article which is exactly what this group is hoping for: awareness!
I believe the name Slutwalk has served it purpose and more. We are reading it, researching it, talking about it, and blogging.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised by the title but unfortunately not by the comment. It seems all to often (to me anyway) that women are blamed for what happens to them. Whether it is sexual assault or harassment or something they just find offensive. Comments are made to accept things because they are jokes or not real. Of course this is my opinion but I have to give it to the women who are out there demonstrating no matter what the word is. To often I think people are held back in making social change because of how it may reflect on them. I think the Slutwalks are an example of people trying to take back the idea that sexual assault is a woman's fault (or mans fault for that matter).
I am also surprise that is seems TBTN is not in support of the walks. Although, they are different events the thoughts behind them are similar and I think there could be power behind that. The new people who are demonstrating could help TBTN events grow larger and vice versa.
Power in numbers...not names.
On the office door of one of my favorite professors is a bumper sticker that reads "Well behaved women rarely make history ~Laurel Thatcher Ulrich." I thought of this quote when reading this blog about the Slutwalks. Just as Cindy said, this idea may be controversial but the walks are accomplishing just what they should, awareness. It is absolutely absurd that women are often blamed for being victimized by sexual assault. In no way is a person ever responsible for being abused. Apparently, this awareness and knowledge need to be discussed more.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think the name of the walk is a great idea. Yes, it is bold. Yes, it may cause a lot of controversy but as implied in the above quote by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, if the title was something more conservative, it would not make as big of an impact.