An unusual and hilarious parade of men clad in red boas and red high heels hit the streets of Gleichen last week with the first ever “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” campaign designed to promote awareness of sexual violence against women and to keep the dialogue about this ever present issue alive.
The Strathmore Regional Victim Services Society(SRVSS) sponsored their first ever walk in Gleichen supported by men from the communities of Gleichen, Strathmore, Siksika, Standard and Chestermere. This international event which began in 2001 by Frank Baird, a marriage and family counselor from California is a lighthearted attempt for men to show their opposition to these criminal acts.
A kick off was held in the Gleichen Community Center with speeches for fun and encouragement as well as commentaries made to draw attention to the seriousness of sexual violence. Joe Campbell of the Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse as well as Chief Fred Rabbit Carrier from Siksika Nation both talked about the pain of violence against women.
After a strutting contest aspiring country singer Drew Gregory from Standard singing the Proclaimers song, 500 Miles to rev the men up for their walk.
Paul Thomas of the Wheatland Family Shelter, who as a previous walker was able to share several tips for successfully navigating about in three inch red spikes, stated it best in telling the men it’s all in the attitude and to look like runway models and not truck drivers.
Advocates and counselors were on hand to share information from the various support groups in our area such as SRVSS, Siksika Crisis Response Team and the CCASA (Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse). The CCASA is the premier “Go To” for Calgary and area providing confidential care and support to survivors of sexual assault. As well they provide educational programs in local schools called “Who Do You Tell?
It was a sight to behold seeing Chestermere’s own Staff Sergeant Glen Henry among the pack parading through town, towering and tottering through the pebbled streets resplendent in uniform and heels.
The men who were husbands, boyfriends, RCMP, firefighters, business owners and government representatives all donned their high heels and completed the mile trek around town. In the end they all managed to cross the finish line, even the slow and steady at the back of the pack that occasionally had to take a break and carry their shoes.
The event also brought more than $10,000 in pledges which will be used for ongoing education and support for the local groups.
The statistics are out there: 1 in 17 women will be raped, and in 70% of the cases the perpetrator will be known to them. Sixty two per cent of women attacked will also be physically abused. Two out of 3 women who have endured physical, sexual or emotional abuse will stay in the abusive relationship.
This timely event comes after the violent attack in India which shocked the world in which a young woman was viciously raped and beaten along with her male friend, eventually dying after an intense struggle to survive. Outrage around the world was felt demanding justice and safety for women not only in India but worldwide.
In our own country violence against women continues to threaten the safety of our own homes and communities. Rape is not about sex; rape is about power, control and violence. Cases are often not reported because the victims believe it is not important enough.
It cannot be stressed enough that these acts have lifelong consequences for the girls and women who are subjected to them and help is available for them to regain a sense of control over their lives moving not only from victim to survivor but beyond.
If you or someone you love is a victim of sexual assault help can be found by calling:
•Strathmore Regional Victims Service Society (403) 934-6552
•Siksika Emergency 24 Hour Line (403) 734-2596.
•CCASA’s 24 hour support and information line (403) 237-5888, 24 Hour Toll Free 1-877-237-5888.
Staff Sergeant Glenn Henry would like to thank the citizens of Chestermere for their pledges, the ladies of the Town Community Services for their tremendous efforts in gathering pledges, and Steve and Barb Jeffrey for their generous contribution to the campaign.
