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More than 40 participants wearing high heels paraded through downtown Hollister on Oct. 10, marking the first time the Walk A Mile in Their Shoes fundraiser for domestic violence has been held since 2023.
Representatives of Emmaus House and Community Solutions were on hand to provide information on domestic violence resources.
Organizer Kim Henderson said she was excited by the turnout and the participation of various sponsors including Citizens Business Bank, DiBudo & Defendis Insurance Brokers, JRG Attorneys at Law, Transcend, Eden Housing, Kuerschner family, Layla’s Crew and the McAbee Family.
“We had many of them in teams,” Henderson said, “and they are looking to make sure that everyone becomes aware of the different forms of violence. The folks who come out have really made this their own activity.”
Christine Henriques is the program director for Family Matters, which helps provide inmates and their families with educational programs and supervised family visitations.
“A lot of people think that domestic violence is just physical abuse and it’s really so much more,” Henriques said. “I think if people understood, they would be able to recognize a healthy relationship from a toxic one and make better decisions about leaving those unhealthy dynamics.”
She said she knows how confusing domestic violence can be.
“I am a survivor myself,” Henriques said, “so I stand and support all the victims and survivors. I also support Emmaus House and Community Solutions and all the great work they do. Our mission is to stop the violence in San Benito County.”
Hollister resident Rodney Bianchi said he just wanted to be involved in the community and that everyone should come out and support the cause.
“We all had family members who were exposed to domestic violence, and they needed a place to stay,” he said. “I’m just here to support others in that journey. The turnout today has been great.”
Participants at the Walk a Mile in Their Shoes fundraiser pose for a photo.
Photo by Adam Bell.
Ribbons to commemorate domestic violence victims.
Photo by Adam Bell.
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