PORT TOWNSEND — To raise awareness about survivors of sexual violence, a group of about 100 people took to the streets wearing brightly colored and often ill-fitting high heels.
While women participated in the march, those wearing the uncomfortable footwear were men.
“The shoes worn by men in this event stand as symbols against those who would cast judgment without having been in the situation,” said Cheryl Bozarth, Dove House advocacy services executive director.
“You are all now officially members of an international men’s movement to end rape, sexual assault and gender violence,” she said.
Dove House, located at 1045 10th St., Port Townsend, houses the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program of Jefferson County’s offices and transitional housing for people who have survived such violence.
The Port Townsend event was one of 173 such marches held nationwide on Wednesday, intended to apply a literal task–walking a mile in someone else’s shoes–to prove a figurative point.
Even though the distance covered was only a half mile, from the ferry terminal to the Northwest Maritime Center, the men got the message quickly.
The shoes were supplied by Dove House, and those wearing them sought relief whenever possible.
The men removed them in order to climb the stairs that led to the reception, and took them off during the speeches.
Dan Goldstein, for instance, tottered off his oversized red heels, his 6-foot-2-inch frame contorted at an uncomforable angle.
Mayor Michelle Sandoval said the participating men deserved praise, but said she expected more from them in the future.
“Next year you will have to do it backwards,” she said, echoing a famous saying about dancer Ginger Rogers, who did everything that Fred Astaire did but backwards and in high heels.
“This was a sight to behold but we have to make it more of a challenge,” she said.
In addition to Sandoval the group was addressed by Port Townsend Police Chief Connor Daily, Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Scott Rosekrans and Sheriff Tony Hernandez.
“We need to support the survivors of rape and sexual assault by being here tonight,” Hernandez said. “Walking in their shoes is how we move forward to start the healing process.”
For more information about Dove House call 360-385-5291 or visit www.dvsajeffco.org.
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Jefferson County reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
