PRESS RELEAST: St. John’s SlutWalk Calls the Community Together to Speak Out About Sexual Assault

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

10 June 2022

The Safe Harbour Outreach Project (SHOP), alongside community partners, are calling the community together for SlutWalk 2022 on June 11, in Bannerman Park. SlutWalk is a rally where a diverse group of people gather and bring awareness to sexual violence, slut-shaming and victim blaming. It was sparked in 2011 when Constable Michael Sanguinetti said “I’ve been told I shouldn’t say this,[but] women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized” while giving a speech regarding a mass sexual assault on campus at York University, Toronto in 2011. This inspired the original Slutwalk Organizers, Heather Jarvis and Sonya Barnett, to bring the community together to speak out about this harmful language.

Today, sex workers and survivors continue to be harmed by the criminal justice system and law enforcement officers. Too often, survivors are penalized, criticized and re-victimized in their attempts to find justice. SHOP and the larger activist community in St. John’s is excited to see people come together to  demand change!

This year, the St. John’s SlutWalk will include a gathering at Bannerman Park near the gazebo in St. John’s on Saturday June 11, from 2:00 – 5:00 pm. The event will include powerful speakers, information, food, music, dancing and community. Allies, advocates and supporters are welcome to attend! All current and former sex workers as well as survivors are invited to join in action and in celebration of community. This event is gender inclusive and community members are encouraged to wear what makes them feel comfortable. 

Disclaimer: there will be discussion about and reference to sexual violence at this event. Please attend and engage in ways that are safe and comfortable for you.