VERO BEACH — Burly and macho, despite wearing bright red women’s heels, more than 100 men risked turned ankles and blisters to participate in SafeSpace’s second annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event to help fight domestic violence. A lighthearted approach to call attention to a serious problem, the walk asks men to step up in stilettos to combat violence against women.
The program originated 10 years ago in California and has since grown into an international event. SafeSpace held its first Treasure Coast walk last year in Vero Beach, and this year added events in St. Lucie and Martin counties as well.
“It’s just grown like wildfire all across the world,” said Jill Borowicz, SafeSpace CEO. “This is our final event for Domestic Violence Awareness month. There are two huge women’s issues recognized in October; breast cancer and domestic violence. One in eight women will get breast cancer, and one in three will be a victim of domestic violence.”
“I’m a survivor,” said Donna Fabean, director of Women’s Services at Indian River Medical Center. Fabean co-chaired the event with fellow SafeSpace board member Chief Bud Spencer of the Indian River Sheriff’s Office.
“I worked with a domestic violence group in Ohio,” said Fabean, adding that the Indian River Medical Center’s emergency department partnered with SafeSpace to establish a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program. “It’s a passion. Most of the people involved with SafeSpace are survivors. They realize the importance of having a safe place to go. Domestic violence crosses every economic boundary.”
Asked how the shoes felt, Eric Menger, part of a large group of Exchange Club walkers said, “I don’t like ‘em, but I do like being tall.”
“He said they were squishing his toes,” said wife Kelly Menger. “I told him that’s what they do!”
Many of last year’s participants learned from the experience and came prepared this time around. IRMC team member Mike Duhart decided to try knee-high stockings in place of socks, and came equipped with baby powder and band-aids.
“Last year my shoes were too big; I only went a short distance. These fit perfectly,” said Bob Schlitt. He too liked the added height. “I think it’s about a half a degree cooler up here.”
Teetering over to the stage area Rick Rittenhouse and Travis Bowser carefully tiptoed to avoid the puddles. “I’d hate to get my heels wet,” chuckled Rittenhouse.
Before the walk began, Patricia Moody got a roar of approval for her moving rendition of the Star Spangled Banner which she both sang and signed.
“We had three domestic violence cases just last night,” said Sheriff Deryl Loar during opening ceremonies. Unusually, two of the victims were male.
“By putting on these heels, you join thousands of others who are standing up to say, I can and will end domestic violence one person at a time,” said Dr. Clark Beckett, the event’s honorary chair.
“Last year there were 2,822 domestic violence crimes on the Treasure Coast,” said Borowicz, adding that the actual number is more likely double that. “There were 14 murders; eight related to domestic violence. Abusers are deadly serious.”
Many of the participants brought their children to walk alongside them, and a few of the boys even opted to walk in heels.
“I feel like it’s very important that little boys learn about this at a young age,” said Kim Beckett, whose son Cooper and daughter Kristi both walked in red heels. “I just think this event is fabulous; it’s such a great cause. The statistics are staggering.”
Emcee Hamp Elliott, who also walked in heels, gave everyone final instructions admonishing, “No tripping, no swinging of hips, unless you really want to, and no texting while walking.”
As they returned from the mile-long walk, some men actually sprinted toward the finish line – whether to prove that they could, or possibly just to hurry and get the stilettos off their feet.
Mounted red stiletto awards were given to the Indian River Medical Center for the largest team and to Bob Schlitt for the most money raised. Joe Dizzono received the Spirit Award, decided by spotters along the route for the person with the highest degree of spirit during the walk.
SafeSpace offers a safe refuge and provides support and education to abused victims and their children who have suffered domestic violence.
