"A miniskirt is not consent!” shouted an enthusiastic crowd of about 70 at Friday's Whitehorse SlutWalk.

Participants marched from the Second Heaven Skate Park to Shipyards Park.

Their message: people who experience sexual assault should not be blamed for their own victimization, no matter who they are, no matter what they are wearing.

The Whitehorse walk is part of a growing phenomenon which began this year in Toronto.

Last Jan. 24, Const. Michael Sanguinetti of the Toronto Police Department spoke at a York University safety forum. He made the comment that "Women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.”

His comments inspired a series of walks across the continent from Toronto to Chicago and now Whitehorse.

Since the event's creation, there has been come criticism of the walks, with some objectors speaking against the use of the term "slut” to refer to walk participants and viewing the event as an example of women defining their sexuality in male terms.

In Whitehorse, organizers say the event has been embraced by many in the community.

"It was an absolute success. There were women, men, old people, young people, lots of cars honked for us the whole way,” said spokesperson Dawn Macdonald.

Victim blaming is a trend which impacts everyone and resonates with communities worldwide, Macdonald added, not just in urban areas like Toronto.

"It's an issue everywhere,” she said. "Victim blaming is a global phenomenon. It is based on a universal psychology, and we are not unique as a community.

"Many people believe the viewpoint expressed by (Sanguinetti), and this walk was an opportunity for dialogue on the issue.”

Organizers expected a certain number to attend the march, based on successes elsewhere. According to Macdonald, however, the real victory was drawing a diverse crowd, crossing boundaries of age, gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic status.

"There was really a variety of people there,” she said.

"I am particularly proud of the young man who walked beside me in the front, holding his sign. I hope that he is an example for future young men to take a stand and not allow victim blaming to continue.”

At Shipyards Park, the march gathered to hear such speakers as former NDP MP Louise Hardy. They also heard entertainment from performers such as Dave Haddock and the local youth dance group Leaping Feats.

With the success of this year's SlutWalk, Macdonald hopes it can become a yearly event for the community.

"We are hoping to continue the momentum; we are keeping the Facebook page up and getting feedback and engaging the community with the eye to do it again next year,” she said.

By MAX LEIGHTON

Star Reporter