By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Stepping in the right direction, about two dozen individuals turned out to raise awareness of domestic violence during an event entitled “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,” held at the University of Maine at Presque Isle in March.
Among the participants were several men who donned ladies’ shoes in an assortment of shapes, sizes and colors, getting a true feel for what it must be like to “walk a mile in her shoes.” Participants donned the footwear at the Campus Center, then made the journey to Folsom Hall and back, maneuvering in varying heel heights around ice- and snow-covered pavement.
The event, part of the international men’s march to stop rape, sexual assault, and gender violence, began at the Campus Center, with participants encouraged to bring their own pair of women’s shoes for the walk, with the Student Activities Office also having some women’s shoes on available.
Several participants were used to wearing tricky footwear, being members of UMPI’s hockey team. It was a desire to help others that got them interested in putting on heels to test their balance a bit differently than what they were accustomed to in skates.
“This is a good cause,” said Will Cole, a junior studying athletic training, as he adjusted a pair of black ankle-strap high-heeled shoes that went perfectly with his blue and white hockey jersey.
“They kind of hurt my feet,” he said.
Josh MacKinnon, a sophomore physical education major, took it a bit farther, wearing pretty pink pumps with a matching pink animal print hat and hockey jersey to compete his ensemble.
“I do anything for a good cause,” MacKinnon said, putting his feet up as he rested in the Owl’s Nest, in preparation for the walk.
April Platt, UMPI’s area coordinator of student activities who organized the event, explained that it was a nationwide effort and that this was “the first time UMPI students, staff, as well as community members, are taking part in it.”
“This is significant. It could become a tradition,” said Platt. “This will show people who’ve been victims that they have support within the community.”
This particular event, according to Platt, was geared toward women.
“This shows this group at UMPI knows there are those out there who are not comfortable to come forward about being victims,” said Platt.
Staff from the Hope & Justice Project from both the Houlton and Presque Isle offices were on hand to help educate those present on the problem of sexual assault.
“The numbers are staggering. But you don’t have to look at the numbers to see the effects — the faces and names of those around you,” said Julie French of the Presque Isle office of Hope & Justice.
French said the issue is gaining more attention as people communicate more through social networks, such as Facebook.
“You can notice the violence in the comments made on sites like Facebook,” she said. “It’s extreme unfairness to all people.”
French made reference to several negative comments that are often cast about without a second thought — names called and insults made without consideration given to how the recipient of the insult is made to feel.
“Would thousands of negative comments affect a child as they become adults?” asked French. “Thoughts affect words and words affect actions.”
Lorraine Chamberlain, LCSW, director of outpatient operations and emergency services for AMHC, was also on hand for the event.
“This is a super great start (for raising awareness of sexual assault and domestic violence). Thanks for bringing attention to such an important issue,” said Chamberlain.
Platt prepared to kick off the walk by setting a pair of empty shoes on the stage representing the “silent victim.”
“You are walking to let someone locally know you care,” said Platt.
As the ceremony ended, walkers lined up to set off on their trek across campus — those in heels taking the arms of more sure-footed sneaker-clad friends to assist them on their high-heeled journey to raise awareness for the victims living and suffering in silence.
UMPI’s Student Activities Office coordinated this event, which was sponsored by the Student Organization of Social Work, the Campus Activities Board, UMPI Athletics and resident assistants, assisted by the Hope and Justice Project.
Donations to the Hope and Justice Project were accepted during the event.
For more information on how to help stop such violence, contact AMHC at 498-6431.
