Men and women of all ages came out to Morton Park Sunday afternoon in high heels to raise awareness for those affected by sexual violence during the “Walk a Mile in her Shoes” event.

Sexual Assault Counseling and Information Service hosted the walk.

Though the men wore women’s shoes, the walkers were raising awareness for all victims of sexual violence, including men and children.

According to the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network, 1 in every 6 women has been the victim of rape or attempted rape, and 2.78 million men in the United States have been victims of sexual assault or rape.

The Center for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 6 boys and 1 in 4 girls are sexually abused before the age of 18.

Erin Walters, the executive director of SACIS, said sexual violence is not only a woman’s issue.

“Sexual violence is everyone’s issue, and it will take all of us to end sexual violence in our community.”

Walters, along with the rest of the staff at SACIS, organized the event to give a voice to those who have been sexually assaulted. She said she thinks “Walk a Mile” will show victims of abuse that there are people who support them.

She said she wants to help them find words to show people how powerful they are — powerful for healing, resilience and empowerment.

Everyone knows someone who has been assaulted, though they may not be conscious of it, Walters said.

Fred Greg of Champaign attended the walk in Charleston in heels, along with the Walk in Danville on April 11. He said he attended because of curiosity and to support the organization. He said his daughter was raped on the Western Illinois University campus.

During her speech to the participants after the walk, Walters brought up the importance of drawing attention to men and women to intervene when they see a possible assault happening before things go too far.

Walters said SACIS has this specific event to draw attention to the center and seek support from the community.

She said she hopes the event will start a dialogue about sexual assault through the message that men wearing women’s shoes represents. She stressed the importance of stopping victim blaming and instead educating people about preventing assault and helping those who have been assaulted.

Anne Wenda, a prevention educator at SACIS, said the reaction of the first person a victim tells about their assault has the greatest influence on how they react to the assault themselves, and whether or not they report it.

SACIS recently moved to 18th Street from Lawson Hall to become more visible to non-Eastern students who want to find support and raise awareness. Since the move, Walters said there has been an influx of Eastern students and citizens of Charleston alike visiting the center.

Walters said it is never too late to talk to someone about their experiences being abused. People come to the center who were abused as children and are now adults.

All people who visit are in different stages of their healing after being abused.

Around 50 walkers did two laps around the park, starting and ending in a pavilion. The turnout was similar to last year’s walk, which was the first time SACIS hosted the event. Familiar as well as new faces attended the walk.

Awards were given out to several walkers, including one called “The Rockettes Award” which was given to members of the ROTC program who carried the banner, leading the walk.

The walk’s sponsors included Eastern, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center and Rep. Reggie Phillips and family. Red feather boas and buttons were also sold at the walk. All proceeds raised are going back to SACIS’ programs and supplies.

SACIS will be hosting its second annual “Take Back the Day” 5K Sept. 26 in Sister City Park. More information about the event will be released on the SACIS website.

Kendra Cwikla can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected]