I know the title seems funny. After all, the sight of over 100 men from all walks of life, ages and races marching down the streets of my town wearing stilettos, I'll admit, is quite comical. Some even took it a bit further, not only wearing fancy foot wear, but the skirts to match. Yes, it was a strange and silly picture.

At least at first glance. While many might have been focused on the flash of leg and red heels, if you noticed the shirts they were wearing, and the signs they held, it became obvious this was not a march to laugh at.



Welcome to the annual International Walk a Mile in Her Shoes March.

Hosted by our local Battered Persons Advocacy, the event not only raised money for the local shelters who help many women find respite from abusive situations, but also raised community awareness for a very serious problem.

We as a society have a bad habit of thinking "it can't happen to me" or someone close to us. I know I did. After all, the person you love would never hurt you, right? The truth of the matter is- it happens more than we know.

Granted we may not be able to prevent it from happening to someone else, but we can be aware of the signs, and knowledgeable of how to help. And if we are in that kind of situation, it's good to know where you can turn.

It can't be easy, for anyone involved. The strength it takes to leave your abuser is no laughing matter. I was lucky- I had my mum who was willing to help me and find a way to keep myself and my daughter safe. But not everyone has that kind of support system.

BPA is a great program who helped my mum, my daughter and myself when I really needed it. I'm grateful that we have the program here, and those who work tirelessly to help battered women and men escape.  

So I tip my hats off to those brave wobbling men who wore their heels proudly and the women who were right beside them. Last I heard, they had raised over $400 in donations! And last but not least, they got the message out- loud and clear!

So here is my challenge to you-

Show me the representation of survival- the essence of overcoming abuse, of standing tall and strong.

"Walking in Their Shoes"

Guidelines
• All types of artwork is accepted
• The piece must be made by you, although Collabs will be accepted
• Up to 3 deviations per participant
• Be Creative!
• This will be an ongoing Project. So no pressure or deadline.

Please note me with the link to your deviation with the words "Walking in Their Shoes" in the subject line.

This isn't a contest. I don't think something so serious should be minimized by a competition.

However, all who participate will be given and I will feature each and every one of the deviations in a journal/article.

I will also be sharing your work with our local BPA as a show of support and encouragement. Every little bit helps.

Note- If anyone else would like to share the deviations with their local BPA, please let me know and I'll okay it with the artists/writers participating.

Any 'prize' donations would be wonderful, or at least spread the word.