SlutWalk is a transnational movement calling for an end to rape culture, including victim blaming and slut-shaming of sexual assault victims. Participants protest against explaining or excusing rape by referring to any aspect of a woman's appearance. The rallies began on April 3, 2011, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, after a Toronto Police officer suggested that "women should avoid dressing like sluts" as a precaution against sexual assault. Subsequent rallies have occurred globally.
The first SlutWalk in Toronto, Ontario, April 3, 2011
New York City SlutWalkers. Union Square, October 2011
Amber Rose
Marcha das Vadias in Brasília, on June 18, 2011. The sign reads: "Changing the world through Feminisms"
Rape culture is a setting, as described by some sociological theories, in which rape is pervasive and normalized due to that setting's attitudes about gender and sexuality. Behaviors commonly associated with rape culture include victim blaming, slut-shaming, sexual objectification, trivializing rape, denial of widespread rape, refusing to acknowledge the harm caused by sexual violence, or some combination of these. It has been used to describe and explain behavior within social groups, including prison rape and in conflict areas where war rape is used as psychological warfare. Entire societies have been alleged to be rape cultures.
Rape rates (police reported) per 100,000 population, 2010–2012
A protester's sign refers to rape culture.
2004 anti-rape march at Rhodes University
The first SlutWalk in Toronto, Ontario, 3 April 2011