Limerick’s first ever SlutWalk organised by L.I.T. Social Care students took place on International Women’s Day.

The SLUT WALK Movement began on January 24^th 2011 in Toronto after a Policeman for the Toronto Police Force stated his shocking view of sexual assault during a personal safety talk at York University. He told the students:

“Women should avoid dressing like Sluts in order not to be victimised!”

The students were outraged by the policeman’s statement as it preserved the stereotype of “The Slut” and failed women and men everywhere. It put the blame back on Survivors of sexual assault as well as portraying men as sexual animals who are unable to control themselves.

Since 2011, SlutWalk’s have taken place around the globe.

The Limerick SlutWalk started out at L.I.T. and over 150 men and women walked the route into the city in an effort to reclaim the word “Slut” so that it can no longer be used to oppress or shame women, and so that, it can no longer be used to judge women’s sexuality. The SlutWalk finished at Bedford Row where Lisa Scott (BA Psychology Lecturer, L.I.T.) gave a public address.

A bucket collection was also held on the day for Rape Crisis mid-West. This was very important as Sexual assault is already an under reported crime in Ireland. Due to this policeman’s labelling of women, Survivors have now been given less of a reason to report it, out of fear that they could be blamed. For this reason, the services of Rape Crisis Centres are vital in supporting Survivors