Stop Violence Period is a collective and scattered performative action seeking to stop violence against women and girls, bring awareness to the both disparate and inter-sectioned economies of violence, and to spring forth the hope of peace, justice and safety in the world. In doing so, they intend to transgress normative boundaries of respectability and outrage sensibilities. They will not be silent, period.
In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2015, we encourage you to attend these community events planned by Nashville Feminist Collective, Nashville Riot Girls, Nashville Sexual Assault Center (SAC), and The Tennessean.
The biggest event will be the My Body Is Mine: A March For Freedom From Sexual Violence better known as the ‘Slut Walk’ will take place on April 11.
SlutWalk is a transnational movement of protest marches, which began on April 3, 2011, in Toronto, Ontario, with subsequent rallies occurring globally. Participants protest against explaining or excusing rape by referring to any aspect of a woman’s appearance, and call for an end to rape culture. The rallies began after Constable Michael Sanguinetti, a Toronto Police officer, suggested that “women should avoid dressing like sluts” as a precaution against sexual assault.
The protest takes the form of a march, mainly by young women, where some dress as “sluts” in revealing attire. In the various Slutwalks around the world, it is usual to find speaker meetings and workshops, live music, sign-making sessions, leafleting, open microphones, chanting, dances, martial arts, and receptions or after-parties with refreshments. In many of the rallies and online, women speak publicly for the first time about their identity as rape survivors. The movement’s ideology has been questioned and its methodology criticized.
Tues., March 31
‘See Something, Say Something: Speak up to Prevent Sexual Assault’
This bystander intervention training is free and open to the public. Hosted by The Tennessean 6:30-8 pm. RSVP at Eventbrite.
Wed., April 1
#30DaysofSAAM Kickoff
#30DaysofSAAM is a national campaign. Post an Instagram photo each day in April. NSVRC will select a winning picture each week. To enter, tag @NSVRC in your post and use hashtag #30DaysOfSAAM. Change your social media profile photos to a SAAM graphic or the color teal for the day or the month.
Thurs., April 2
Monthly Feminist Trivia Night @ The Stone Fox
Free and open to the public 6:30-9pm. RSVP on Facebook.
Fri, April 3
Take Back the Bars: More Beer, Less Fear! (Bar Crawl) co-hosted by Nashville Riot Grrls
Starts at The Crying Wolf at 7 pm, then head to 3 Crow Bar followed by No. 308. Please wear teal or teal ribbons. This is part of the #StopViolencePeriod campaign. We will be guerrilla-posting maxi pads on our path to bring awareness to sexual violence. RSVP on Facebook.
TBD (opens April 3)
‘The Hunting Ground’ group viewing/discussion
(Waiting for Belcourt Theatre to post show times to announce the date/time)
Fri., April 10
Art Making, Music, and More in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month Sponsored by 8th & Argyle and Freedom Arts / Arte de Libertad 3-8pm, 1800 8th Avenue South. RSVP on Facebook.
Sat., April 11
My Body Is Mine: A March For Freedom From Sexual Violence
Starts at Bicentennial Park at 4pm, march by the Criminal Justice Center, over to Broadway, Legislative Plaza, and back to Bicentennial Park for a speak out. RSVP on Facebook.
Sun., April 12
Feminist Discussion Group
Reading Selection TBD
Sat., April 18
SAC ‘Walk in Their Shoes’
Join NFC’s team page to donate and walk with us during the Sexual Assault Center’s annual event from 9am-12pm. RSVP on Facebook.
Fri., April 24
Stewards of Children: Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training
The training will be held at the Sexual Assault Center, 10 am-12 pm. Read more about the training on the Stewards of Children website. You can reserve a spot by e-mailing <kjanecek@sacenter.org>.
Fri., April 24
Multimedia Event
Performance art, visual art, music, poetry, speak out, spoken word, theatre, etc. Vanderbilt Divinity School’s Reading Room 7 pm.
Sat., May 2
Exhibit Opening – Nostos Gallery – 1st Saturday Art Crawl
The manager of Nostos Gallery has offered to display our art, posters, and photographs from the various April events during 1st Saturday art crawl 6-9 pm.
