LANCASTER – Organizers on Thursday announced the Antelope Valley’s inaugural Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® event to help end the violence.
This gender abuse prevention fundraiser event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Hangar, the Lancaster JetHawks Playing Field located at 45116 Valley Central Way in Lancaster.
Presented by the Antelope Valley Chapter of Zonta International, the Walk a Mile event will feature men walking a mile in high-heeled shoes around the track at the Hangar – a live demonstration of the old saying “You can’t really understand another person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.”
Any male can take part in the walk; and several members of the Antelope Valley’s emergency response teams have already confirmed their participation, according to organizers.
The event is a fundraiser for the Antelope Valley Hospital’s Forensic Services Unit (FSU), which assesses, documents, photographs, and collects evidence on all cases presenting to the hospital or referred by law enforcement. The FSU also coordinates the medical and legal needs of victims of violence. The program is largely unfunded, and it functions out of the hospital’s Emergency Department. Learn more that the FSU here.
How to participate in the Walk a Mile event
You can do your part to support this event in one of the following ways:
Gentlemen can throw on a pair of heels and see how it feels to “be in her shoes.” A $55 registration fee pays for your T-Shirt and high-heeled shoes. Any money left over after the event costs are covered will be included in the funds donated towards the Forensic Services Unit. To register for the walk, click here.
Ladies can volunteer during the event. Volunteers are needed for several tasks, including participation check-in, shoe distribution, water distribution, and field monitors. To learn more about volunteering, click here.
Cheer the walkers along from the stands. Adult entry tickets are $5 at the gate and kids get in free. There will be a variety of games and activities, including face painting, balloon animals, balloon toss, raffles, and a silent auction.
For more information on this event, contact Sheyla Walker, Chair of Service Projects, Zonta International, Antelope Valley Chapter at swalker@tmpworks.com.
Mary Reina says
The point is to raise awareness about the epidemic of sexual violence here in the Antelope Valley. We, those of us working on the front lines, need the community’s support. We need victims to come forward while there is forensic evidence. We need to stop blaming the victim. We need to acknowledge that the majority of sexual violence is perpetrated by males on females, although anyone can be a victim. This fundraiser will benefit a program that has daily interactions with those brave enough to report sexual assault. This program collects the DNA that connects a perpetrator to a victim. We also support the victim through both the medical and legal process. The hope is to draw attention to the issue and everyone needs to learn how they can help. Sexual violence is rampant in the AV and we need to come together to reverse this crisis!
Newman says
WTF
Bob says
A bunch of guys walking around in high heeled shoes with the end result to understand and end gender violence? What an utterly stupid idea. Only in the AV!
sue says
Sad, Bob. This activity has been held across the US for years. The idea is to put yourself in the place of an abused woman by walking a mile wearing her shoes. Is it a stupid idea because you don’t agree with it, or because you can’t understand it? Or, maybe because you are afraid to do it?
bird says
sue—Spot on Sue!
dumbandblind says
Walking a mile in women’s shoes does nothing to stop abuse calling the cops does.
Supporter says
Why can’t both be a means to an end? Calling the cops will get you the help you need AFTER the crime has already been committed…when you are now considered a victim. The point of the walk is to bring awareness in hopes of STOPPING these senseless acts of violence. Professionals who deal with these crimes, and the victims that are left behind, obviously see a reason for doing this walk…..so why protest anything that might make a difference and help????? Awareness leads to knowledge which leads to change!
John says
Why don’t they have a bunch of women wearing boxers in regards to men being abused? What a bunch of BS!
Supporter says
Maybe you can organize that walk for next year!