Georgia Southern to Host Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®

April 3, 2014

Georgia Southern University will hold its second Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®, an event where men don women’s high-heeled shoes to increase awareness about sexual violence, on Thursday, April 10 at the Russell Union Rotunda. Those who have pre-registered can check-in starting at 3:30 p.m. Day of registration will start at 4 p.m. The walk will begin at 5 p.m.

“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® is a light-hearted, educational event that aims to raise awareness and encourage communication about gender relations and sexual violence,” explained Alli Anderson, Ph.D., licensed psychologist with the University’s Counseling and Career Development Center. “All of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Statesboro Regional Sexual Assault Center which helps survivors of sexual assault in Bulloch, Jenkins and Screven counties.”

 The goals of the walk are getting people talking about the sexual violence happening in the Statesboro area, helping the victims and figuring out how to prevent these attacks. Organizers say it is important for men to join the cause. “Women who have been hurt, physically or mentally, by any kind of sexual violence including harassment, are the sisters, mothers, aunts, cousins, girlfriends and friends of men, and by extension, those men have to deal with it, too,” said Shanna Felix, president of the Sexual Assault Student Educators. “This issue affects everyone. The goal is to get all of Georgia Southern talking about ‘that thing where guys walked in heels to raise awareness about sexual violence.’”

While walk participation is free, $10 donations from students and $15 from faculty and staff are suggested. To register, visit http://www.tinyurl.com/gsuwams2014. Men can choose to walk in heels or walk in support. Women are encouraged to bring their own heels. For more information call (912) 478-5541 or email Dr. Anderson at adefinis@georgiasouthern.edu. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® at Georgia Southern University is sponsored by Health Services, the Sexual Assault Response Team, University Wellness Program, University Housing, the Multicultural Student Center, Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, the Department of Electrical Engineering, Licensed Professional Counselor Association Student Affiliate Organization, the Sexual Assault Student Educators organization, Coastal Harbor Health System and the Clubhouse.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers 125 degree programs serving more than 20,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement.  Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.