press release 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 31, 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 a way to discuss sexual and gender violence

LOGAN, UTAH- The men of Utah State University and Cache Valley will put their feet first on the line when they step out in high heels April 7 to help combat sexual assault.

In observation of national Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Utah State University’s Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information (SAAVI) office will sponsor 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 opinions that sexual violence is not acceptable,” says Rachel Brighton, SAAVI coordinator. “These men are willing to walk one mile in high heels to prove it.”

During the Walk-a-Mile-in-Her-Shoes event, male students, faculty, staff and community members will walk a mile-long course around the USU campus 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 “we do our best to accommodate all walkers comfortably,” said Brighton.

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Women also participate as “Blister Sisters,” helping with the check-in process, running event tables, and steadying wobbly men during their “blistering” walk around campus.
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, and Blister Sisters who volunteer for a minimum of one hour will receive the event T-shirt free (while supplies last).

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

Those with a competitive edge also can win prizes in categories such as most enthusiastic walker, most valuable walker (for the top fund-raiser). A trophy of a Jessica Simpson high heel shoe will be presented to the organization with 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.

The USU Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information (SAAVI) Office was created to promote an atmosphere of sexual and physical safety for all female and male students, faculty, and staff at Utah State University. SAAVI works to accomplish this task through an environment of education, as well as sensitive, competent response to those who have experienced violence or hurtful relationships.

SAAVI provides crisis help (i.e., support; assistance obtaining medical, counseling, academic, and legal aid in the aftermath of sexual assault or dating/domestic violence; etc); education (e.g., presentations to groups, clubs, classes, etc); and awareness events (e.g., Red Zone Day, Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities,Walk-a-Mile-in-Her-Shoes, etc). SAAVI services are available to USUstudents, faculty, and staff ; both women and men; both primary survivors (those who experience violence) and secondary survivors (friends/loved ones of those who experience violence).

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