press release 4 draft

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 8, 2009
Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information
Rachel Brighton, SAAVI Coordinator
Utah State University
9105 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-9105
435-797-1510
Hotline: 797-RAPE
Website: www.usu.edu/saavi

MEN IN HEELS TO RAISE AWARENESS ON SEXUAL ASSUALT
Walk-A-Mile in her shoes provides an approachable way to discuss sexual and gender violence

LOGAN, UTAH- Break out the band aids for what’s sure to be an amusing and informative display of men in heels on April 7, 2010 in order to raise funds and awareness for a very serious issue.

In observation of national Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the University’s Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information (SAAVI) office sponsors the sixth annual “Walk-a-Mile-in-Her-Shoes” awareness event and fundraiser.

“This is an opportunity for men on our campus and in our community to voice their opinion that sexual violence is not acceptable to me and I am willing to walk one mile in high heels to prove it,” says Rachel Brighton, SAAVI coordinator.

During the Walk-a-Mile-in-Her-Shoes event, male students, faculty, staff and community members walk a mile-long course in high heels as they take a stand against sexual violence and raise money to fund educational efforts at USU. The USU SAAVI office provides shoes for participants and, according to Brighton, “does our best to accommodate all walkers comfortably.”

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Women may also participate as “Blister Sisters.” Blister Sisters help with the check-in process, run event tables, and steady male participants during their “blistering” walk around campus. Interested walkers and Blister Sisters may also help with event planning and preparation.
Walkers and Blister Sisters are encouraged to register online through the SAAVI website: http://www.usu.edu/saavi/events/walk_a_mile.cfm. Registration is available through the day of the event. As is tradition, an event T-shirt will be available for sale. Walkers who submit $10 in pledges, or Blister Sisters who volunteer for a minimum of one hour will receive the event T-shirt free (while supplies last).

Walkers choose between four walking rounds at 10:20 a.m., 11:20 a.m., 12:20 p.m. and 1:20 p.m. Each round, which begins and ends on the Taggart Student Center Patio, takes approximately 20 minutes. If interested, walkers may choose to walk more than one round.

Those with a competitive edge have the possibility of winning prizes. Some such categories include most enthusiastic walker, most valuable walker (for whatever individual that raises the most funds), and a trophy of a Jessica Simpson heel will be presented to the organization that has the most male walkers.

Brighton says many perceive rape, sexual assault, and domestic violence as women’s issues, yet research indicates educational efforts aimed at men are powerful tools in violence prevention.

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Media Contact:
Jessica Vasil
708-653-8181
jessica.vasil@aggiemail.usu.edu