Walking against sexual violence

Princeton Tourism and the Freedom House domestic violence shelter have joined forces to co-sponsor a “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, Men’s March Against Violence” event on May 18 in Princeton. Registration is now open online at www.firstgiving.com by searching for Freedom House Illinois and choosing the “events” link.

In announcing the May 18 event, Princeton Tourism Director Joni Hunt talked about the importance of the upcoming walk.

“There is such a need for awareness against gender-based violence,” Hunt said. “Freedom House has been a part of Bureau County for 30 years and has been housed in Princeton for the majority of those years. Princeton officials are excited to honor the work of Freedom House by helping to organize this event.”

In explaining the upcoming event, Freedom House Development Coordinator Michelle Spears said “Walk a Mile In Her Shoes” is a walk that is done by men in women’s shoes as a fun way to shed light on a serious problem. Men are an important part of the work that an agency like Freedom House does, she said.

“With a one-in-six chance that a girl or woman will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime and a one-in-four chance that she will be the victim of domestic violence, men everywhere are affected by this,” Spears said. “These numbers represent daughters, sisters, mothers, friends and co-workers. ‘Walk a Mile In Her Shoes’ is a memorable way for good men to stand up and say this is not acceptable.”

Though the May 18 walk will be held in Princeton, the walk is open to families and individuals throughout the county and beyond. Spears said. Freedom House serves not just Bureau County, but also Putnam, Henry, Marshall and Stark counties as well, she said.

Hunt encouraged not just men and boys to participate in the walk, but for entire families to come out for the event.