[Kym Andrews-Cardoza, Community Outreach Coordinator, The Center for Violence-Free Relationships]
Sexual Assault Awareness Month or SAAM calls attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every person in this community. The goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. The theme of this year’s national campaign is “Embrace Your Voice”. The campaign informs individuals on how they can use their words to stop sexual violence before it happens by promoting safety, respect, and equality.
Please join The Center for Violence-Free Relationships for their annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes on Saturday, April 14, 2018. The Walk will take place at The Placerville Town Hall and will feature men wearing red high heels as they walk a mile down Placerville’s historic Main Street.
This year The Center will be joined by a large number of high profile men in our community who are embracing their voices and speaking out in an effort to raise awareness about sexual assault. Among the walkers are El Dorado County Supervisors, Brian Veerkamp, and Michael Ranalli; Ed Falkenstein from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department; Chief Kay Iida from the Shingle Springs Tribal Police, from the DA’s office Gary Malmquist. Green Valley Community Church's Scott Layton will join in the fun as will Sacramento attorney and El Dorado Community Foundation Past Board President, Paul Zappettini; Rogue Brotherhood members, Kevin Brown and Russ Reyes; and Marty Hackett from El Dorado County Emergency Services. Also walking will be The Center’s Executive Director, Matt Huckabay.
Why men in high heels? Unfortunately, sexual assault is a gender-based crime where women are most likely the victims. Too often the victims are blamed for the assault based on what they were wearing at the time of the assault, such as high heels or short skirts. The Center promotes that men everywhere have the capacity to play an integral role in eliminating domestic violence and sexual assault by embracing their voices and speaking up about attitudes and behavior that contribute to these harmful attiutudes toward women .
Our words shape the world around us. Whether you speak out against locker room talk or help someone better understand these issues, your voice in powerful and necessary in this conversation.
Individuals can embrace their voices to show their support for survivors, stand up to victim blaming, shut down rape jokes, correct harmful misconceptions, promote everyday consent, and practice healthy communication with kids.
The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Challenge is a great event for individuals of all ages who want to participate in a beautiful walk. Don’t have high heels, no problem, they’ve got your size! The event is open to the public and families are encouraged to attend together. Festivities to include a photo booth and a free lunch following the walk. This year the event will be sponsored by: SuiteAmerica and Wells Fargo Bank.
For additional event information or to register go online at http://thecenternow.org/events/walkamile/. In-person registration begins at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at the Placerville Town Hall, 549 Main Street in Placerville. To donate to your favorite walker or team visit http://thecenternow.org/walkamile/ . Your contributions provide funds that will go to support programs for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault as well as prevention programs in our schools.
Thank you for your support of sexual assault and domestic violence awareness in our community. Follow The Center on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thecenternow/ to learn more about sexual violence and to find out about the many ways you can embrace your voice!
About The Center
The Center has served the local community for over 30 years and is recognized at the local, state and national level for its innovative, groundbreaking programs, and its ability to provide essential services to families in need. The Center for Violence-Free Relationships is dedicated to building healthy relationships, families and communities free from sexual assault and domestic violence through education, advocacy and services in western El Dorado County. For more information visit The Center’s website at www.thecenternow.org, or call The Center at (530) 626-1450 or (916) 939-4464.
