RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) -
There is a march this weekend to bring awareness about sexual violence against women, but there is mixed reaction to its name. It's called "SlutWalk Richmond."
It's an international event that is now going to take place in the River City. But the even is bringing mixed emotions from women who live here.
"The Slutwalk seems interesting," said Bridget Polk. "[But] I'm a little offended by a "SlutWalk" though, that word is very offensive to me."
However, not everyone feels that way.
"It garners a whole bunch of public attention and so more people would want to come out and see what it's about," said Chionte Sharding.
The walk started in 2011 after a Toronto police officer told a group of college students that in order to prevent sexual assaults, a person should not "dress like a slut." Since then, events have been held in Melbourne, Australia and London. Organizers say it brings awareness to the problem of blaming victims of sexual crimes.
"As a woman I feel like we shouldn't be victimized by the way we dress," says Lauren Grenier.
The walkers will start at Monroe Park and walk two miles to Byrd Park. They'll be carrying signs and wearing outfits they say make a statement.
Some women, who are victims, will wear the outfits they were attacked in.
Jamie McAfee says she believes in the statement "I'm not a victim," but says the event can be controversial.
"Objectifying the male, patriarchal idea of what is a slut, is just kind of encouraging it," she said.
But other women say attention to this problem can be a positive.
"It just sickens me what some people will do to women and I just want to do something about it," said Sharding.
SlutWalk Richmond is Saturday, 9/22 starting at 11:30 a.m. at Monroe Park. Click here to learn more about the walk.
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