Belleville SLUT walk hopes to raise awareness

By Alisa Howlett

Sexual assault and harassment is an issue that hits close to home with Vhaira Astaroth. Astaroth is a victim of sexual assault and is now an advocate for the cause.

“Whether or not the victim did something to evoke an attack, an attack is still an attack. Whatever transpired between the two people to cause the attack, it shouldn’t matter as much as the fact that the attack happened,” said Astaroth, a survivor of sexual assault. “Sexual assault and harassment is not excusable no matter what.”

Belleville’s first SLUT Walk will take place this Sunday at 1 p.m. Participants are to meet outside the Starbuck’s at the Quinte Mall.

Astaroth is co-organizer of the event. The idea behind the walk is to raise awareness against sexual assault and harassment as well as eliminate “victim blaming” or “slut shaming”.

“It doesn’t really matter if you’re wearing a short skirt, or if you’re flirting, or if you have two boyfriends, or something like that. It’s nobody’s business what you’re doing. Sexual assault and harassment is still unwelcomed,” said Astaroth.

Elise Hineman, public educator and counselor, Sexual Assault Centre for Quinte and District, says that the SLUT Walk is a great way to raise awareness for the cause.

“Victim blaming is probably one of the many reasons why people do not come forward if they have experienced sexual violence in their lives,” said Hineman.

Hineman agrees that victims should not be blamed for what happens to them.

“The onus should always be on the perpetrator of these types of violent events. It is always the perpetrator’s fault,” said Hineman. “They are taking the power away from a person who might just be out at a party or just walking home or whatever, getting a ride home from someone maybe they thought they could trust.”

Almost 80 per cent of the time perpetrators are someone the victim knows and already trusts, said Hineman.

“There is no precautionary measure that will ever make it 100 per cent perfect or 100 per cent safe,” she said.

The SLUT Walk doesn’t just call on women; men are welcome to participate as well. Men can be sexual assault victims just the same as women, said Astaroth.

“[Men] don’t want to come forward because they feel insecure about it because it’s something that’s more widely accepted that happens to women. People just don’t seem to think that men have the same problems when it comes to these kinds of things. But we see that it does,” she said.

Donations are being accepted the day of the walk. The proceeds go directly towards the local Sexual Assault Centre.

“We’re just so honoured that they would contribute their proceeds from whatever funds they raise to SAC. Any proceeds that they want to donate will be put to very good use,” Hineman said.

Proceeds will either be put towards program development or supplies for the survivors, she said.

Live local talent will be entertaining after the walk and participants are encouraged to share their stories with the crowd.

Over 100 participants have confirmed their attendance on Facebook so far. This is well over the estimation of 10 or 20, Astaroth said.

“We call ourselves sluts and allies so anybody is welcome, as long as you are for the cause. It doesn’t matter what gender you are: male, female, gender variant, or anything else in between, it doesn’t make a difference. We want you to come,” she said.