“Walk A Mile In Her Shoes,” the annual, international men’s march designed to raise awareness and to prevent rape, sexual assault and gender violence, was held in downtown Hollister on Saturday, April 9. The event began at the corner of Fourth and San Benito streets at 10 a.m.
Designed as a men’s march against violence, male participants were encouraged to walk the mile in high heels. Women were also encouraged to participate in a show of solidarity, according to organizers, who provided high-heeled shoes to participants who needed them.
Proceeds from the event benefit Emmaus House, a Hollister-based domestic violence shelter for women and children, and Community Solutions, a nonprofit human services agency serving San Benito and Santa Clara counties.
“The Walk a Mile event encourages men to literally walk in teh shoes of women to raise awareness about and end violence against women,” said Erica Elliott, sexual assault and prevention manager at Community Solutions.
Patrice Kuerschner, executive director of Emmaus House, said, “we’re excited to hold this event again in Hollister to raise awareness about these issues in our community. For more information about Emmaus House, call 831-630-5899. For more information about Community Solutions, visit its website or call 831-637-1094.