Thousands of people have taken part in “SlutWalks” following a policeman’s advice to student that they should “avoid dressing like sluts”.
More than 2000 people took to the streets of Boston on Saturday, many of which were dressed provocatively, in a bid to encourage law enforcement agencies to not blame victims after sexual assaults.
Boston organiser Siobhan Connors told Associated Press: “The event is in protest of a culture that we think is too permissive when it comes to rape and sexual assault.
“It’s to bring awareness to the shame and degradation women still face for expressing their sexuality… essentially for behaving in a healthy and sexual way,”
Police Constable Michael Sanguinetti made the remarks during a safety talk to students at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto.
He said: “You know, I think we’re beating around the bush here,” he reportedly told them. “I’ve been told I’m not supposed to say this – however, women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimised.”
The police officer has since apologised for his comments and has been disciplined, but he is still on duty.
Around 3000 protesters took part in a SlutWalk in Toronto last month.
The SlutWalk Toronto website explained: “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.”
