A campaign aiming to change society’s tendency to wrongfully blame sexual assault on the victim’s clothing is taking place in the capital city.

Slut Walk 2022 will see people gather in Bannerman Park with speakers from various community organizations centered around ending victim-blaming. Those who have one are encouraged to bring a red umbrella as a symbol of the cause.

The Slut Walk campaign began in Toronto in 2011 when a police officer speaking to a group of law school students remarked that “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.” Since then, the movement has spread worldwide.

Shawna McIntyre, one of the volunteers who helped organize the event, says cultural changes are needed to wipe out the attitudes that lead to victim-blaming.

She says the language in which we speak about sexual assault, the availability of resources for victims, and how we provide victims with validation all need to change.

The event runs from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.