Patch Clip: SlutWalk UConn 2012 Draws Support from Students, Community

Dozens of students Friday gathered in front of the Student Union at the University of Connecticut to participate in SlutWalk UConn 2012: A Walk to End Victim Blaming.

SlutWall originated in Canada in 2011, when a Toronto police officer, during a crime prevention forum, said that “women should avoid dressing like sluts” to help prevent sexual assault.

UConn junior Rachel Stewart said participating in the march was especially important to her given that Mansfield is her hometown.

“This is the community I grew up in,” Stewart said. “I know so many people who have been hurt by this or have been affected by sexual assault and it goes unreported often," she said, adding, “[We're] just giving people a safe space to come out and know that they’re not alone and that we’re trying to do something about this rape culture and victim blaming and we’re going to support them."

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Students Friday hoisted signs, yelled chants and walked a lap around the northern end of campus to bring attention to the movement.

As a survivor of a sexual assault, Kylie Angell, a UConn senior and one of the event's organizers, said the event was especially important to her.

"No one deserves to be sexually assaulted," Angell said.

"It’s just been really meaningful for people to come together over this issue,” she said.