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Group stands up for victims of sexual assault
Group stands up for victims of sexual assault
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee's 'Slut Walk' aims to get the message out that victims of sexual assault are never to blame. Organizers say 'victim blaming' -- the belief that a woman's clothes or perceived body language explains why someone would sexually assault her -- happens all too often.
The so-called 'Slut Walkers' marched from the Milwaukee County Courthouse on Saturday, September 7th, shouting their message on the street.
"It's amazing to see woman and men coming together to take down this idea and it kind of fills you with passion for what you do and it's a fantastic thing to see," said event organizer Kayla Christopherson.
Several walkers have been victims of sexual assault and say the support of so many others is comforting.
"I personally went through something really horrible last year," said Jenny Noyes. "I have experienced the victim blaming from people you shouldn't hear it from, and I've had friends who have gone through similar experiences."
As walkers took shelter from the afternoon's rain showers, they shared stories of assault and survival.
"It's absolutely heartbreaking but it's the reason we're here, it's the reason we're doing this," said Christopherson.
Participants also discussed a recent controversial sentencing in Montana where a judge gave a former teacher 30 days in jail for raping a 14-year-old student who later killed herself.
"I'm hoping this will spark another fire and get people really combating the judge's sentence," Christopherson said.
The judge in that case attempted to amend the 30-day sentence, however, Montana's Supreme Court ruled against him.
Regardless of the circumstances, 'Slut Walkers' wanted to make one point loud and clear.
"It's never the victim's fault," said Noyes. "It doesn't matter what they were wearing, how much they were drinking, it doesn't matter. It's never the victim's fault."