(Michelle Higginbotham/ American Press)
(Michelle Higginbotham/ American Press)
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event raises awareness of sexual abuse violence
Last Modified: Tuesday, September 04, 2012 10:43 AM
By Ashley Withers / American Press
Strains of “Boogie Shoes” could be heard throughout Prien Lake Mall Saturday morning as around 70 men pranced in women’s high heels to protest rape and sexual assault.
The event, appropriately called “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,” raised awareness and money to help local organizations provide aid to victims and work to end sexual violence.
“I think it was fabulous. This is the second year we’ve done this, and we’ve had a great turn out both years,” said Tammy Vincent, the event’s organizer.
“It raises awareness about the subject in a very light-hearted way that gets people talking about things that typically communities don’t even want to accept are happening.”
Participating men carried signs, which read, “Good Man Walking,” “We Talk the Talk and Walk the Walk” and “No Excuse for Abuse.”
John Shearman came straight to the walk after finishing a 24-hour shift with Acadian Ambulance. Though he was tired, Shearman said he would not have missed the event for the world.
“I think it’s an important cause to participate in. Men should take a stand for these issues,” Shearman said.Shearman’s wife picked out his pair of glittery purple heels. She is a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and helped organize the event.
“It’s perfect because I’m supporting a good cause and I’m being a supportive husband,” Shearman joked.
DeQuincy Police Chief Mike Suchanek and four of his officers have participated in the walk both years.
He said he had been preparing for the walk for about a week. Suchanek and one of his fellow officers said they bought their high-heels from a “stripper website” to get just the right pair.
“We came out to support the cause. Our mayor is here, and we’re all here to take a stand,” Suchanek said.
“It brings the violence to the forefront and it makes people ask questions.”
Carlton Briscoe, a first-time participant, rocked a pair of thigh-high, high-heel boots decorated with leopard faux fur and metal studs. He took “walking in her shoes” one step further and chose to dance around the mall in his boots.
“I want to show support for the women who have been abused,” he said. “I have a daughter, and I would want the same support shown for her if she was in their situation.”
But Briscoe said it was not only his role as a father, but also his upbringing that inspired him to participate.
“I was raised by two women, my grandmother and my mother. They raised me to be a man who would stand up for women.”
Briscoe was given the “coveted red shoe” for the “Best Man Walking” award.
Other awards were given out for most bedazzled shoes, the highest heel and for raising the most money.
The 2012 “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event raised around $10,000, according to Vincent.
Proceeds will benefit the Oasis Sexual Violence Program, the SANE Program at Memorial Hospital and the Children’s Advocacy Program at Family and Youth Counseling Agency.
“The event went great. My feet didn’t fare so well, but the event went good,” said Nick Hylton, a first-time participant. “There was a lot of participation. It was a lot of fun.”
Hylton said he found his shoes at a local consignment shop, but that “it was hard to find a size 12.”
Despite his squashed toes, Hylton said he was glad he participated in an event that is important to the area.
“Sexual abuse is a problem that happens everywhere, but not a lot of people want to talk about it. It is kind of a stigma or taboo topic,” he said.
“It’s a big deal whenever people want to get together and raise awareness. It will let people who have been abused know there are people who care.”
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