Watch CBS News

Protesters In Annual 'Slut Walk' March Down Michigan Avenue

CHICAGO (CBS) -- At least 200 people, mostly women, took part in a rally at the old water tower on Michigan Avenue, as counter-protesters tried to shout them down.

The event is now in its fifth year. After the rally the demonstrators marched along Michigan Avenue, watched closely by police.

For some, recent events compelled them to come for the first time.

Podcast

Topaz Steel, from the North Side, noted the sexual assaults in Lincoln Park.

"Around DePaul this guy is going around raping women," she said. "It's not because of what they're dressed in its because he wants to be an idiot and attack somebody."

There was a also a counter-protest as a handful of people shouted and carried signs reading "repent or perish" and "immodest dress says rape me."

Some participants were exposed enough to be arrested. Others had strategically-placed tape, like Rebecca Brown.

"I am wearing electrical tape over my nipples and no top and a pair of jeans," Brown said. "The message I am trying to get out is that no matter how you are dressed does not mean you deserve to be raped."

Some speakers encouraged women to confront men who ogle them. One woman said, "be angry."

This event started in Canada after a police officer told some young women they should avoid dressing like sluts to keep from being raped.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.