"Walk-a-Mile-In-Her-Shoes" 2008 Utah State University

USU Football Team Wins 2008 Trophy














Walk-a-Mile-In-Her-Shoes 2008 Utah State University
Photos by Jessica Prado

Men in High Heels?
By Jessica Prado
Apr. 11, 2008

LOGAN — April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a nationally designated month that is being recognized for the fourth consecutive year by men who are willing to be seen in high heels as they take a stand against sexual violence and raise money to help prevent violence at Utah State University.

The USU Sexual Assault & Anti-Violence Information office will sponsored the annual “Walk-a-Mile-in-Her-Shoes” event, held Apr. 9, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Taggart Student Center on the USU campus (bad weather location will be the USU Bookstore).

“This is an opportunity for men on our campus to make the statement that ‘sexual violence is not okay with me and I am willing to walk one mile in high heels to prove it!” said Rachel Brighton, SAAVI coordinator.

According to the SAAVI website, one-in-four college women have been the victim of rape or attempted rape since the age of 14, while one out of every 33 men have experienced sexual assault.

“It is important to understand that sexual violence impacts…both men and women…and all of us can do something about the problem,” Brighton said.

Women may also participate as a “Blister Sister” who can assist with recruiting male walkers and help with the walker check-in process, run tables, and escort male participants on their walk during the event.

“Inviting men and women to become allies in ending violence sends a powerful message. Solutions to violence will only be found when men and women work together to end the problem,” Brighton said.

The funds raised at “Walk-a-Mile” help support the SAAVI Office along with the One-in-Four Chapter, a USU all-male peer-education group devoted to educating men about rape and sexual assault.

The USU football team won rights to a new and different Walk-a-Mile Organizational Trophy that is hand-crafted and features a pair of “Jessica Simpson high heels”this year for “Organization/Group with the Most Male Walkers.” Those interested in learning more about SAAVI or “Walk-a-Mile-in-Her-Shoes” may visit http://www.usu.edu/saavi for detailed information including other upcoming events.

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