Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

Men parading around in high heels.

This was the scene on USU campus last Thursday as the eighth annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes took place.

The event started in the Taggart Student Center with booths from organizations like Rape Abuse and Incest National Network, or RAINN. With more local programs such as Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information, better known as SAAVI, and the Cache County Child and Family Support Center.

Codie Thurgood, a SAAVI student intern, said the event is a great way to bring light to a problem that is not commonly talked about.

"What I want people to take away from Walk a Mile is that this is an issue that should not just be ignored,” Thurgood said. “I also want people to take away that as we start to take a stand and raise awareness we will be able to stop sexual assault, rape and gender violence. Everyone plays a part in being able to achieve that goal.”

"We're raising awareness and making sure people know what’s going on,” said
Abbey Webb, an intern for SAAVI who was running one of the booths.

Samantha Reed said she realizes the importance of the issue and volunteered her time for the event.

"We’ve got a whole fraternity walking in shoes and raising awareness," Reed said. "It sends off a message that students need to be aware on campus."