Men all over Plymouth are grabbing their high heels and marking their calendars for Plymouth State University’s “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes” scheduled for Saturday, April 5.The event will take place at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Hartman Union Building.
Millions of women each year are victims of sexual assault. Every year, more and more people are taking action in their community and spreading the word against this very serious problem. Walk A Mile is a one-mile walk around the Plymouth area sponsored by the Plymouth State University Police and the Sage Center in conjunction with the Counselor Education Program at PSU.
Many people around the Plymouth area and the University are expected to walk in this event to help stand for sexual assault victims. Other events and information about sexual assault are included on the day of the walk. Information Booths, relay races and prizes will be given out 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. as well as an Institute panel presentation from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Newfound Room in Prospect Dining Hall.
This has been a year-long process for Officer Jennifer Frank, who brought this event to Plymouth this year. “This is a terrific opportunity for the University and the Community to speak out together against Violence Against Women.” Frank said, “I hope that this will create an opportunity for women to come forward and for men to speak up against Violence Against Women.”
Sexual assault does not just affect women but it also affects the men who care about their families and their community. Harmony Reid, a student at PSU, is in charge of recruiting individuals for this event and getting information out to the public, is very aware of this situation. “This walk shows support and gives a voice to Sexual Assault survivors that have trouble coming forward” Reid said, “People all come together for this one day and stop to raise awareness about violence against women.”
While this is the first year this event is taking place in Plymouth, according to the Walk A Mile In Her Shoes website, www.walkamileinhershoes.org. 78 walks are taking place all across the U.S. in 2008. Traditionally men are required to wear high heels in this event, showing how it’s like to walk a mile in her shoes. This year in Plymouth, according to Reid, high heels are not required for men but a good way to get involved and make a difference in your community.
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Hartman Union Building. Registration is free but donations are greatly appreciated. Participants and volunteers must pick up a registration form by contacting Officer Frank at the PSU police at 603-535-2330 or Delilah Smith at the S.A.G.E. Center at 603-535-2387.