Slutwalk Milwaukee march, rally set for Sept. 7

The Slutwalk Milwaukee march and rally to raise awareness “regarding the lack of advocacy services for survivor’s of rape and sexual violence” takes place Sept. 7.

The walk begins at noon at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Marchers will head east on Wisconsin Avenue and north on Second Street to Pere Marquette Park, where the rally begins at 1 p.m.

A news release said:

“Our culture uses the word ‘slut’ to dehumanize and delegitimize survivor’s of rape. Beyond that, it places blame on the individuals who have been survivors of rape, rather than the rapists themselves.  In Milwaukee, there are no citywide programs to ensure 24-hour access to rape crisis services. Beyond this, there is no policy in place to allow an advocate for police and court appearances. The Slutwalk movement aims to end victim-blaming and improve the city’s services for survivors.”

The first such event took place in Toronto in 2011. The Toronto campaign’s website states, “We are tired of being oppressed by slut-shaming; of being judged by our sexuality and feeling unsafe as a result. Being in charge of our sexual lives should not mean that we are opening ourselves to an expectation of violence, regardless if we participate in sex for pleasure or work. No one should equate enjoying sex with attracting sexual assault.”

The movement has spread to more than 200 cities.

On the Web…

https://www.facebook.com/SlutWalkMilwaukee