Georgia Southern to Host Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®

Georgia Southern University will hold its inaugural Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®, an event where men walk in high-heeled shoes to increase awareness about sexual violence, on Thursday, April 11 at the Russell Union Rotunda. Registration starts at 2:30 p.m., and the walk begins at 3:30 p.m.

“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® is a fun, educational event that aims to raise awareness and encourage communication about gender relations and the serious issue of sexual violence,” explained Alli DeFinis, 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 to get people talking about the sexual violence happening in the Statesboro area, to help the victims and to figure 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 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, $5 donations from students and $10 from faculty and staff are welcome. To register, please visit http://recreation.georgiasouthern.edu/wellness/wellness-partners/walk-a-mile/. For more information call (912) 478-5541.Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® is sponsored by Campus Recreation and Intramurals, Sexual Assault Response Team, University Wellness Program, Health Services, University Housing and the Multicultural Student Center. Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 120 degree programs serving more than 20,500 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.