Male students, faculty and staff will sport women’s high heel shoes to raise awareness about sexual violence.
The men, as well as female supporters, will be participating in a Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® event on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 1:40 p.m. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® is the international men’s march to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence.
The walk starts at the Crafton Alumni Pavilion on the UCA campus. The university’s Interfraternity Council (IFC), the UCA Police Department, Division of University and Government Relations, and HAVEN are organizing the walk. This is the second year the university has come together for the walk.
“This event is unique because all of the organizations that make up the Interfraternity Council as well as other Registered Student Organizations and even faculty and staff come together in hopes of raising awareness about rape, sexual assault, and gender violence,” said Jon Whitt Golden, vice president of finance, Arkansas Zeta chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon. “We hope this demonstration will be a beacon of support for those who have fallen victim to the crimes and bring into light a problem which is often kept silent.”
The walkers also will be bringing attention to HAVEN house. HAVEN, Help for Abuse Victims in Emergency Need, assists female children and adolescents who have faced abuse, neglect and homelessness. The majority of the children in HAVEN are victims of violence and sexual abuse.
“We are very honored to partner and that the students see this as a priority,” said Jenny Morse. “We provide shelter and services for adolescent victims of abuse and neglect. The students raising awareness that this is an issue in every community, including ours, will help stop abuse.”
Donations to HAVEN can be accepted on the day of the walk.
For more information about Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®, visit www.walkamileinhershoes.org.
