PORT TOWNSEND — The sixth annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes served its purpose of raising awareness of sexual assault and domestic violence, organizers say.
“The impact is that we have more and more young men between 25 and 30 who come to us and want to be involved in changing the rape culture,” said Dove House Executive Director Beulah Kingsolver about the conditions that breed sexual assault.
The walk, which was held late Wednesday in Port Townsend, is part of an international effort in which men are encouraged to wear high heels for a short period of time.
In Port Townsend, where there were 90 registered participants, the distance from the ferry terminal to the Cotton Building at 607 Water St. was less than a half-mile but was long enough to serve its purpose.
“While we are walking, there are a lot of people who see us and ask what they are doing, and we raise their awareness about the issue,” Kingsolver said.
Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Haas marched but did not wear women’s shoes.
“It helps to raise awareness that domestic violence is an issue, even in a small, bucolic town like Port Townsend,” Haas said.
“It happens everywhere in the country.”
Law enforcement
Haas said the gathering gave him a chance to talk with county Sheriff David Stanko about possible domestic violence and sexual assault enforcement options.
“Part of it is to make sure that the law enforcement community is communicating properly,” Haas said.
“Sometimes we get so busy in our different jobs, and it’s important that we get some face time together.”
Stank said during an address after the march: “We have a real issue because there isn’t enough transitional housing for families in need who are suffering from a domestic violence situation.
“All of us should think about how we can start a community conversation about domestic violence, drug abuse and mental health, which are all connected.”
The march was not primarily a fundraising event, but Dove House took in about $650 during a silent auction and raffle that followed the march, Kingsolver said.
Dove House, located at 1045 10th St., near Jefferson Healthcare hospital, has a $560,000 budget that covers emergency shelter and food, client support services, therapy, advocacy, transportation and everything else that a client needs to move forward, according to Development Director Tina Burlingame.
During its most recent fiscal year that ended in 2014, Dove House served 433 clients and provided 3,159 bed nights, of which 1,151 were for children and 2,008 for adults.
For more information, phone Dove House at 360-385-5292.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
