PORT TOWNSEND — About 100 people gathered Wednesday evening to raise awareness about domestic violence as part of Port Townsend’s second annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event.
Some were men teetering in high heels, giving up a little comfort as a symbol of sharing some of the pain of women who survive domestic violence and abuse.
“Women know how this feels because they wear these shoes all the time,” said Nicole Barnard, Dove House program director.
Participants met at Rotary Park by the ferry terminal and marched down Water Street to the Northwest Maritime Center, where they heard short speeches from Dove House Executive Director Beulah Kingsolver, Jefferson County Sheriff Tony Hernandez and Port Townsend Police Chief Conner Daily.
A group of Port Townsend High School students — wearing huge red pumps supplied by Dove House — led the march.
Hernandez and Daily wore their customary footwear in case they had to respond to a police emergency.
Most of the women participating wore regular street shoes.
“We are sending a message tonight that the community is not allowing this violence to happen,” Hernandez said.
“We must give survivors a voice in the legal landscape by asserting their rights in the courtroom and the community.”
Kingsolver said the march succeeded in raising awareness.
“You are the solution. You are the change agent,” she said.
“You are the ones who will end sexual violence.”
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladaily news.com.
