If the shoe fits
Chad Knowles is looking forward to walking around campus in high heels, but he is not excited about the sore feet afterwards.
The seventh-annual fundraising event at USU, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes will allow students the chance to raise awareness and help to prevent and eliminate rape, sexual assault and gender violence while walking a mile in high heels. The event will take place April 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.,
“I think it’s important that we as men feel like we know what it’s like to be in a girl’s position. Knowing that if you’re walking somewhere in a dark place, you never know what could happen,” said Knowles, a junior in business finance. “We do need to raise awareness and when people see guys walking around in heels, hopefully it will prevent them from doing it themselves in the future,” Knowles said.
Knowles said he had not heard of the event until he saw heel-wearing men parading around campus a year ago.
Marinda Zaleski, a senior in social work, interns for Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence (SAAVI) and said Walk a Mile in Her Shoes was started by Californian Frank Baird.
“It started out as a couple of guys walking around a local park and has now turned into a world-wide event raising millions of dollars toward the prevention and education for all and the support for those dealing with sexual assault and violence,” she said.
Zaleski said she thinks there are many reasons students should get involved.
“This event is so unique. You won’t get a chance to experience it anywhere else around the area,” she said.
She said it is a fun event that allows people to approach a difficult topic.
“People feel uncomfortable about the topics surrounding sexual assault and I think that is part of the reason it is one of the most under-reported crimes,” Zaleski said.
She said if victims knew of the community and peer support available, it might be easier for them to come forward and to get help. Zaleski said she thinks it is important for the community to confront the issues and not to “turn a blind eye.”
“(The event) sends many messages to victims and to the community in general,” Zaleski said. “It won’t solve all our problems with sexual assault and violence, but it will hopefully make it easier for everyone to deal with because this is an issue that affects everyone.”
Zaleski said she hopes, at the very least, everyone will become more aware and educated about issues of sexual assault and gender violence. She said many people are shocked by the alarming statistics, especially the reality of college-age students who have been abused and assaulted.
She said she thinks when everyone is informed; it gives them the right and ability to do something about it.
“I want everyone to feel empowered when talking about this topic,” Zaleski said. “Whether you are a victim, a friend or a family member of a victim or just someone who cares, you should feel comfortable talking about these issues.”
She said it is important to acknowledge the existence of sexual assault and violence because ignoring it will not make it go away and often can make it worse.
“Because I have a family member who was involved in domestic abuse, I want to make a difference and raise awareness for both women and men,” said USU student Nadiah Johari, a junior in public relations. “I just hope that it works and that people are aware that domestic abuse and this kind of violence is very serious and cause emotional distress.”
Several male students are interested in participating this year, in spite of the potential for blistering feet.
“I feel strongly about preventing any kind of violence,” said Zachary Bosch, junior in public relations. “I think it’s a terrible thing and it’s something that I think some people in our society don’t realize it’s severity.”
Zaleski said last year 12-year-old Alex Erazo walked and raised more than $630, which was more than anyone else raised that year.
Zaleski said there are not many people who get involved with these issues and it shows a lot about USU students who are willing to face the serious reality of sexual assault and violence.
Walking rounds will begin at 10:20 a.m. and continue on the hour until 2:30 p.m. Those interested in participating can meet on the TSC Patio. Prizes will be awarded for the largest group, the most money raised and the most enthusiastic teams.
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