COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — People of all genders took to the streets of Collegeville Saturday morning for the International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence. It’s also known as the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event, as many of the men did it wearing high heels.
For this walk, men were encouraged to don women’s high heels before walking a mile loop. Brad Smith, development director of Laurel House, said the goal was to raise money and bring attention to the services that Laurel House provides.
“It's kind of a goofy spin on something, but it's really bringing that awareness to everyone,” said Smith. “You never can be in someone's shoes until you really walk in their shoes.”
Laurel House deputy director Stacy Dougherty said the organization helps those suffering from emotional, physical, sexual or financial abuse.
“When you think about domestic violence, a lot of people think that it's a women's issue and we really are trying to make sure that we engage men as allies in this conversation,” said Dougherty.
So the men put on pumps, stilettos, strappy heels — even over-the knee boots — and they walked.
“My toes are killing me,” said Ben Young, who shared what he learned. “It’s hard to be a woman … it’s hard to wear those heels.”
Everyone finished the race, but not all the heels survived. “I actually broke my foot out of it,” said Cosmo Losco of Telford. “I’ll have to redo it next year.”
“I've learned that you’ve got to walk a mile in someone's shoes to feel the pain,” said Jason Stein of Blue Bell, who said his feet felt “burning and numb” in his heels.
“It's one of those things where people don't talk about it enough. It's swept under the rug. People are embarrassed or ashamed and it’s good to have things like this where it can be brought to light where it's okay to talk about it.”
Kevin Lowrie of Schwenksville, with his heels in his hands, finished in his socks. “Know when to call it quits,” he said. “Same thing with domestic violence: know when to ask for help.”
Laurel House’s hotline is staffed 24 hours a day with members available to talk any time of the day or night at 1-800-642-3150.
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