Why 'Slutwalk' protests on rise around the world?

Hundreds of men and women wore scanty outfits and marched down the streets of Capitol Hill neighborhood in Seattle last weekend in what is called SlutWalk.

Chanting No Means No and waving signs that read Consent is sexy and How to prevent rape in one easy step - don't rape, they were protesting against a notion that any aspect of a woman's appearance might explain or excuse rape.

While SlutWalk is getting enormous popularity and support all around the world, there are people who have criticized the concept, saying that women taking part in SlutWalk in provocative outfits are simply fighting for their right to be dirty.

The SlutWlak protest marches began on April 3, 2011 in Toronto, Canada. It has become an international movement of rallies against sexual violence after a Toronto police officer named Michael Sanguinetti suggested that in order not to be victimized, women should avoid dressing like sluts.

Sanguinetti visited York University on January 24, 2011 as a speaker. He was giving a lecture on the issue of crime prevention, and it was in this context that he made the comment. He apologized for the remark later on.

Although the protesters were urged to dress in everyday wear in order to signify ordinary women that are sexually assaulted during everyday activities, many women started dressing in provocative clothing. The idea has now spread in other major cities in U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, Africa, Asia and Europe. Since April this year, a number SlutWlak protest marches have been organized and many are on the cards.

Check out the latest photos of Slutwalk protests around the world.