Rachel's Birthday Drive

On January 24th, 2011, a representative of the Toronto Police gave shocking insight into the Force’s view of sexual assault by stating: “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized”. This sentiment is not isolated. Slut shaming degrades women by defining them as "sluts" based on how they dress, how they look, or how they approach sex. And it is a major pillar of rape culture, facilitating victim blaming in many cases of rape, sexual assault, street harassment, and other despicable acts.

In response to the officer's vile comments, Toronto's feminist community organized a creative protest known as a "SlutWalk." This protest has been mirrored in cities worldwide to protest rape culture, sexual assault, and slut shaming. The first ever SlutWalk Baltimore was held in solidarity with the movement and in 2011.