Women, Men Take Part In "Slut Walk" To Deter Sexual Violence
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A lot of signs and some scantily clad women are just a couple of elements that made up a "Slutwalk" in Houston, Texas, earlier this month.
All across the world, women and men are taking part in slutwalks, speaking up and speaking out, against sexual assault and rape.
The walks were sparked by a Toronto police officer who said women could avoid sexual assaults by not dressing like sluts.
Next weekend, the "Slutwalk" steps into Philadelphia. Organizer, 20-year-old Hannah Altman is spreading the message on Facebook, where more than 2,000 people have "liked" the Slutwalk Philadelphia page.
"What I wear shouldn't have any impact on any attention I receive, how I'm addressed, or what happens to me, it shouldn't have any impact," said Altman.
But most people we spoke to in University City, say how you dress often plays a role in how you're treated.
"If you look at someone dressed for a job a certain way, you're going to expect something from them," said Drexel University student Joseph Cotsis.
"It's very difficult because it's human nature," said senior Tobi Brennan. "You don't want to judge a book by its cover but it's programmed in our minds."
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But it's that mind set that Slutwalk participants want to eliminate in hopes of ending sexual violence.
Sexual violence in this country is down 60 perent since 1993, according the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network.
Studies show every two minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted and what those victims were wearing, says Altman, shouldn't excuse the act.
"The attention needs to be on the man or the attacker as opposed to the victim."
According to Philadelphia Police there were 1,040 reported sexual assaults in the city last year.
Next week's walk starts at 11:00a.m. at 11th and Pine. The walk will end at Dilworth Plaza.
For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/SlutWalk
Reported by Jericka Duncan, CBS 3
