The 10th annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event is a month away, and its honourary chair is already in training.
Chatham-Kent Police Chief Gary Conn recently got outfitted with his bright red high heels he will wear for the mile-long walk he and other men will make as part of the international men’s walk to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence.
Karen Hunter, executive director of the Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre, said the walk raises awareness and funds for the centre.
“A lot of it is public awareness, by having men show their support,” she said. “And the money is needed for support services.”
Conn agreed.
“Definitely, it assists in fundraising. It’s a worthy cause,” he said.
He added it also helps raise awareness, and that there’s plenty of work to be done.
“I would like to believe it has had a positive effect, unfortunately, the statistics don’t support it,” Conn said.
The chief said in 2017, Chatham-Kent police responded to 1,882 domestic violence complaints and laid about 800 charges. The vast majority of those were for uttering threats, mischief and forcible confinement. But others were for assault, assault causing bodily harm, and sexual assault.
The crimes aren’t limited by age. In fact, Conn said in 2017, there were 20 youths in Chatham-Kent charged with domestic-related offences.
Hunter said the number of youth impacted is surprising. The Centre’s school-based programs have been deluged by the sheer number of people coming for assistance or information, and they include girls and boys.
Domestic violence also appears to be somewhat seasonal. Conn said last year, between July and September, that’s when the majority of domestic calls took place.
Hunter said the walk has consistently raised between $17,000 and $20,000 over the years, but she’d love to see that number rise to about $25,000.
Participants can obtain pledge forms by going to the women’s centre at 20 Sandys Street in Chatham, or download them online from www.ckwc.ca. Participants can also show up the day of the event and pay $25 minimum to take part.
Men who walk in the event do so in groups, as well as individually, she added.
Families can walk beside the men in support as well.
Approximately 100 people took part last year.
The event takes place rain or shine. It’s planned to start and finish at the Downtown Chatham Centre.
In fair weather, the course will take walkers through the downtown core, with a different route, still to be determined, due to the closure of the Fifth Street Bridge.
If it rains, the walk takes place inside the Downtown Chatham Centre.
Conn, who hasn’t missed a walk since its inception, offered advice to participants – double sock your feet to add more cushion to your toes. And stick your feet in some cold water afterwards to help take down the swelling.
