INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — High heels were the attire of the day for more than a hundred men who marched to bring awareness to domestic violence in Indian River County on Saturday morning.
The third annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, sponsored by SafeSpace, was held at the new offices of the Indian River Medical Center’s Partners in Women’s Health Physician Group.
October was Domestic Violence Awareness month, and the one-mile walk is a literal interpretation of the adage that true understanding comes only from walking a mile in another’s shoes. The walk, originally scheduled for Oct. 27, was postponed due to Hurricane Sandy.
The weather was sunny and crisp, as Sheriff Deryl Loar introduced the event’s honorary chairman, crime fighter and victims’ advocate, John Walsh, who thanked the supporters.
“We’ve been doing America’s Most Wanted for many years now, and the guys I hate the most are the ones who prey on women and children. It is very difficult for women to break out of the cycle of domestic abuse. Domestic violence can happen to anyone in every community,” said Walsh.
“Thank you to the men who have shown up this morning to show their love of women. This is not just a woman’s issue. Men have to step up to break the cycle of abuse.”
Devin Jackson, a Sebastian River High School Senior, was trying out his heels for the first time. “I was dragged here by my mom,” he joked. “But I do support the movement.”
Lewana Dupree, Devin’s mother, and a part of the Spectrasoft team of walkers, gave a brief demonstration on how to walk in the 4-inch high heels, as did Bob Schlitt, who strutted like a pageant contestant, and the walking commenced.
Hilarity ensued as burly guys with very hairy legs donned four inch red stilettos, and tottered to an inspiring soundtrack of tunes that included “Pretty Woman,” “Walk Like a Man,” and “I Feel Like a Woman.”
Omar Gutierrez, a surgical technician and nursing student at Indian River State College, was a novice, but managed to finish the walk. “I haven’t had any practice. I just want to be able to get through this without falling.”
Spectrasoft team member Phil Tumolo was rocking sexy fishnet stockings, along with his heels. “My calves are fine. My knees are fine. But my toes are killing me,” he complained, as he leaned on his co-worker, Gena Godfrey. “But it was a lot of fun.
“You stepped up and stood tall in rejecting the notion that violence in the home is acceptable,” said Master of Ceremonies and 93.7 morning show host Geoff Moore, who coached the walkers as he teetered along in his own high heels.
Massage therapists met the walkers at the finish line, where several prizes were awarded, including one for spirit, which was won by Jason Redmon, clad in football gear, who wore his heels long after the race was over.
“I do this because my wife is so wonderful and she makes my life easier.”
SafeSpace offers victims of domestic violence safety, support and education, and is dedicated to the prevention of domestic violence through social change.
If you are in need of assistance, contact SafeSpace at (772) 569-7233.
