Local organizations partner to raise awareness of violence against women

Seventh annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event set to take place on April 13 at 10 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Hollister.
Members of the Hollister Fire Department crossing Fifth Street along San Benito on April 22, 2017 for the annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event. Photos by Lisa Robinson-Ward.
Members of the Hollister Fire Department crossing Fifth Street along San Benito on April 22, 2017 for the annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event. Photos by Lisa Robinson-Ward.
The local roller derby team the Faultline Derby Devilz volunteered their time to assist walkers in crossing the street on their mile walk.
Hollister Mayor Ignacio Velazquez compliments another walker's heels as they cross the street.

Information provided by Emmaus House and Community Solutions.

On Saturday, April 13, Emmaus House and Community Solutions will host the seventh annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes – The International Men’s March to stop rape, sexual assault, and gender violence. The event will take place at the Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Hollister beginning at 10 a.m. To register or for more information, visit www.walkamilesanbenito.org. Costs for registration is $40 male walkers, $30 for sister walkers, and $10 for youth (ages 6-17).

“The Walk a Mile event encourages men to literally walk in the shoes of women to raise awareness about and end violence against women,” said Erica Elliott, sexual assault and prevention manager at Community Solutions.

Community members walk each year to show solidarity with survivors of sexual violence and to raise awareness around sexual assault and domestic violence. According to a joint press release from Emmaus House and Community Solutions, in San Benito County nearly two out of three (67%) community members have witnessed domestic violence and nearly one in two (46%) know someone impacted by sexual assault.

“We are excited to hold this event again in Hollister this year to raise awareness about these issues in our community,” said Patrice Kuerschner, executive director for Emmaus House.

About Emmaus House

Emmaus House works to provide a safe harbor for women and their children seeking immediate relief from a threatening situation. In a secure and child-friendly environment, trained staff support and assist a woman with her immediate concerns for safety, shelter, food and clothing. Emmaus House also has ongoing resources and access to community networks providing opportunities for women in a time of transition. For more information visit www.emmaushouse.net or contact Executive Director Patrice Kuerschner at (831) 630- 5899.

About Community Solutions

Community Solutions is a nonprofit human services agency serving Santa Clara and San Benito counties. For more than 40 years, the agency has offered a broad spectrum of services for mental health, sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, juvenile delinquency and youth development. Community Solutions works in partnership with community-based organizations, law enforcement, local schools, and county health and human service providers. For more information, visit www.communitysolutions.org or call (408) 842- 7138.

 

BenitoLink Staff