Sexual Assault Protest Comes to Tampa

Some wore simple tank tops and t-shirts.

Others wore tiny skirts and fishnet stockings.

But, regardless of their attire, they were there for one reason.

A poster stapled to a tree stated their mission succinctly.

Reclaim the word ‘Slut’

On Saturday (Sept. 17), Tampa joined the growing number of cities to host SlutWalk, a bold, provocative protest movement that challenges the stereotypes that blame rape survivors for their own assaults.

“Just because I’m wearing something provocative, does not mean I’m consenting to having sex with just anybody” said Charli Solis, who along with USF student Jackie Horowich and youth pastor Greg Stevens, organized the event.

The first SlutWalk was organized in Toronto – a city where police officer Michael Sanguinetti told college students that “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.”

Outrage over Sanguinetti’s comment spread globally. Since April, more than 80 SlutWalks have been held in cities around the world.

According to Solis, Slutwalk seeks to address harmful attitudes towards sexual violence, specifically the notion that if a woman drinks alcohol or dresses provocatively, she is inviting assault.

The movement has been controversial in its approach, but Solis says that the word ‘slut’ is used in an ironic way to challenge its social construct. It also grabs people’s attention.

“In today’s world, the only way to stand out is to be shocking. If it had a more passive name, there’s no way it would have spread and gain the social momentum that it has,” said Solis, 25.

Crowds began gathering at Joe Chillura Courthouse Square Park downtown at around 10:30 a.m. The dress code ranged from high-heeled pumps and mini dresses to causal shorts and tanks. One woman was covered in a black burqa and held a sign that read, “Is this too slutty?”

Keynote speaker Connie Rose shared her story of abuse and trafficking at the hands of her father. Rose founded victim2survivor, an advocacy group for childhood sexual-abuse survivors.

“The big lesson: it’s not your fault. It’s their fault,” she said. “You are not a victim, you are a survivor.”

As the walk wrapped around the block, passing cars honked their horns and drivers waved. Participants held up handmade signs with slogans such as “My dress is not a yes” and “Consent is Sexy.”

Victoria Cawan, a student who volunteers at a rape and physical abuse clinic in Sarasota, was appalled by Sanguinetti’s words. When she heard about Slutwalk, she knew she had to participate.

“There are still those few who think like the [police officer] in Canada – ‘stay modest and that will protect you,’” said Cawan.  “And we are saying no, that doesn’t always protect you.” Cawan said.

SlutWalk co-organizer Jackie Horwich, 20, considered the event a great success. She estimated that nearly 500 people attended the walk.

“It’s redefining our culture, redefining the norms that we have,” Horwich said. “Redefining respect – or making its real definition known.”