Friday Fancy : SlutWalk London

by Fairy Cake

SlutWalk London takes place tomorrow, at 1pm, starting at the top of Piccadilly (nearest tube : Hyde Park Corner/Green Park).   Although there has been a massive amount of debate surrounding the idea of ‘reclaiming’  the word slut, about 70% of the published articles I’ve read about SlutWalk have completely missed the point.

Around 84% of women are raped by someone they know.   Only 4% of rapists can remember what the woman they attacked was wearing. Women are raped in all states of dress, at all ages, in all countries, in all situations.  They are raped while in care of the state, while in institutions, while walking home from work, by husbands, by ‘friends’, by soldiers, by members of authority.  And yes, some women are raped when drunk, while showing a bit of leg, maybe even after registering their interest in someone, maybe even heading home with them…

But rape is not a response to sexual attraction.  It is not just a further expression of sexual desire or arousal.  It is a very deliberate wielding of power and violence, and a very conscious breach of someone’s consent.

I know that our readers are bright, thoughtful women (and men) who may have concerns about the finer details of this march.  I also know that some may not march because they are worried that the actions may be misconstrued by the media.  Personally, I believe any action that publicises the reality of rape is a good thing, and that we need to support any movement that aims to get things out in the open …

… but if you’re not marching, do please take a second to check out the following resources and learn as much as you can about sexual assault, and the myths surrounding it.   Then challenge survivor-blaming attitudes, and end the silence.  Education is the key folks :)

Rape Myths and Facts, courtesy of Rape Crisis

The Havens Wake Up to Rape Survey results (2010)

How to support someone who has been raped/sexually assaulted

A list of conviction rates by county

More rape stats from the Fawcett Society

What happens inside a Sexual Assault Referral Centre

Donate to Rape Crisis

(but you should come really, it’s going to be amazing.  Here’s the Facebook event).