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Local leaders donned high heels and other sensible ladies’ shoes for the annual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes, a Help Now of Osceola event designed to bring awareness to domestic violence and the proverbial miles victims walk in abusive relationships. PHOTO/DEBBIE DANIEL
There was quite a bit of staring and finger-pointing at Wednesday’s downtown monthly market as a group of men wearing high-heeled shoes paraded down New York Avenue in St. Cloud.
And that was the whole point of the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, sponsored by Help Now of Osceola.
“This opportunity that we have here to raise awareness encourages our community to have those serious talks about the causes, the effects, and the remediations to men’s sexual violence,” said Evelyn Herrera Jackson, Help Now’s Outreach Services Director.
“There’s an old saying that says that you can’t understand another person’s experience until you walk a mile in their shoes. So, our goal today in this event is to get people to listen, to learn, and to talk about violence against women,” Jackson said.
As some local businessmen and dignitaries sat on a curb to pull on their stockings and heels, others teetered back and forth as they practiced walking in theirs. And while there was plenty of good-natured laughing, the reality of domestic violence was not lost.
“On behalf of the men and women of the police department, we’re very proud and honored to stand with you all and recognize the effects of domestic violence,” said St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke. As you know, your police department is very in tune with our community, and our goal is to eradicate domestic violence at all costs, from start to finish, all the way through the prosecution.”
Goerke added that the department will soon have its first victims’ advocate, who will help victims find shelter and work their way through the process.
Though he couldn’t attend the event in person, Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller Kelvin Soto said in a statement, “One issue that weighs heavily on our hearts is the scourge of domestic violence. In addressing this issue, we have taken a multifaceted approach that goes beyond the confines of our traditional duties. Yes, we assist individuals in obtaining injunctions and navigating the legal system. But our commitment to promoting safety extends far beyond that. We believe in the power of education to affect change, which is why we have made it a priority to advance awareness about the tribulations of domestic violence.”
“In all our interactions, we understand the profound impact that even the smallest act of kindness can have on the well-being of humanity in a world marred by violence and discord,” Soto continued. “We believe in the transformative power of kindness. In the end, it is kindness that triumphs over violence, and it is through our collective efforts that we can create a brighter more compassionate world for us all.”
If you are living in a domestic abuse situation, call the Help Now hotline at 407-847-8562 to speak with an advocate about available options and resources.
