According to the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network, every 98 seconds an American citizen is sexually assaulted in some way or form. In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the University of Louisiana Femhawks and the Wellspring of Wellspring Alliance of Northeast Louisiana collaborated and hosted their third annual “Walk A Mile in Her Shoes” march, Thursday, April 12.
“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” is an international men’s march designed to advocate against sexual violence. In recent years, men and women began to walk together in an effort to show support and solidarity for survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. ULM and The Wellspring began their tradition of “Walk-a Mile” three years ago, around the time the ULM Femhawks was created.
Students, faculty, and community members walked from the bayou bridge to Bayou Park to shed light and honor victims of sexual assault. Men and women put on their favorite pair of heels, a teal boa, the official color of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and strutted down the bayou. ULM student, Ayana Kennedy said that it was an amazing feeling to walk for something so important as sexual assault awareness. “It was fun being around all of these people and wearing heels,” said Kennedy.
“This year, the motto is to embrace your voice,” said Rafael De Castro, the executive director of the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault. At the Candlelight vigil held after the march, He urged community members to speak up for other people whose voice is not always heard; especially in sexual assault cases. He stated that marginalized groups are the most common victims in sexual assaults.
After De Castro’s speech, community members, FBI specialists in sexual assault, and students spoke their testimonies on the issue. They all agreed, that it is time for all voices to be heard.
Victims of sexual assault or friends’ or families of victims are encouraged to contact the Wellspring for help in coping with the assault. The Wellspring of Northeast Louisiana is an organization with a mission to strengthen and value individuals and families. The Wellspring offers comprehensive services for both women and men affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence.
The organization is open 24 hours and seven days a week, anyone can contact their sexual assault and domestic violence hotline at 318-323-1505.