Community Solutions and Emmaus House will “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” for the first time in San Benito County at 11 a.m. Saturday at Fourth and San Benito streets. The event has been held nationally as a way to raise awareness of teen dating and gender violence.
Erica Elliott, the prevention manager at Community Solutions, and Debbie Ruiz of Community Solutions spoke briefly about the issue of sexual assault and violence at the San Benito County Board of Supervisors meeting when they were presented with a proclamation declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the county.
“We need to reconfirm our commitment to preventing rape and sexual assault,” said Supervisor Robert Rivas, as he presented the certificate to the pair, “and remember the victims.”
Elliott said Community Solutions served 52 survivors of sexual assault last year. For the month of April, they have an educational display up at the library and at Gavilan College satellite campuses. The walk on Saturday is a key event in raising awareness of both violence and sexual assault.
“I have a card here and I’d like to challenge the four supervisors to join me,” said Supervisor Margie Barrios. “I have several pairs of shoes if you’d like to join me.”
During the walk, men are invited to walk a mile in a pair of heels. Women are also invited to participate. The entry is $20 for women or $30 for men, and includes a pair of women’s heels.
Elliott shared some statistics at the meeting and in a press release on prevention. According to statistics, about one in four adult women and one in six adult men were sexually abused as a child.
“Parents and guardians can be significant allies in the prevention of child sexual abuse,” the Community Solutions press release states. “It is never too early to begin having conversations with children.”
The group suggests talking to children about the difference between good and bad secrets, and teaching them to share with an adult any secrets that make them uncomfortable. The memo also suggests teaching children the difference between good and bad touches.
“The effects of this abuse can be devastating,” the statement reads. “If the abuse is not addressed, the effects can appear as substance abuse, eating disorders and suicide attempts as well as putting the individual at increased risk for other harmful behaviors.”
Walk a mile in her shoes
Emmaus House and Community Solutions are teaming up for a “march to end gender and teen dating violence, sexual assault, and promote positive, healthier gender relations.” Men are invited to participate for $30, with a pair of women’s heels included in the entry fee, with women invited to participate for $20. The walk is April 6, at 11 a.m., at Fourth and San Benito streets, with a one-mile course marked out. The first person to cross the finish line in heels, the first team to cross the finish line in heels, the top individual fundraiser, top team fundraiser and the largest team will all get prizes. Sponsorships for the event are also available. To register call 831-630-5899 or visit www.emmaushouse.eventbrite.com.
