"Walk A Mile In Her Shoes"

            Macho construction workers in stiletto high heels! What’s going on?  It’s the “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes” fundraiser where men are making valuable contributions to stop the epidemic in sexualized violence.

            In the Berkshires, participants raised over $20,000 to help the Elizabeth Freeman Center stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence. Elizabeth Freeman was the first African-American woman to sue and be set free from slavery in Massachusetts. ”Bet” fought to protect her daughter, Betsy, who was abused by the wife of a slave owner in Sheffield, MA.

           

Every two minutes, someone is raped in this country.  One in six women are victims of sexual assault.  The media will continue to work to expose the Harvey Weinstein’s of the world who abuse women on the job. And books like The Purple Bowtie will continue to remind people of the emotional stories of the survivors, their partners, family and friends who are all affected in different ways. Women who have experienced extreme sexual experiences must speak out sooner rather than later. The Elizabeth Freeman Center provides 24/7 hotlines to address domestic, sexual and gender violence; free, confidential counseling services and shelter; court advocates and even pet foster care.

Elizabeth Freeman

There are plenty of organizations, agencies; good men and women who pitch in every year all over the world to raise money to address domestic abuse; sexual and gender assault.  The energy and momentum for this movement is huge and building.  A hearty ‘thank you’ goes out to all the men who hold a higher standard and choose not to abuse or harass women in the workplace or at home; or hide the secret of those who do. Only we can stop this epidemic.

Wherever you are in the world, you can begin a “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes” event in your community. Check out the website: www.WalkAMileInHerShoes.org.  To contribute to the Elizabeth Freeman Center, call 413-499-2425.

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