York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office’s Lt. Dennis Ivey announced Monday that he will be walking a mile in women’s heels to bring awareness to sexual assault.
He will join others at the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes 2015” event hosted by the Center for Sexual Assault Survivors at 10 a.m. April 11 at the Peninsula Town Center Square Fountain in Hampton. The walk is the largest march against sexual violence on the Peninsula, according to the organization’s website. Men collect pledges and then walk one mile in women’s high heels to protest sexual assault and domestic violence, the website said.
“The reason I do this event is — even though it is difficult to walk a mile in women’s shoes — it is nothing compared to what sexual assault survivors have been through,” Ivey said. “They are not victims, they are survivors! This event helps bring awareness to the cause and raise money for the Center for Sexual Assault Survivors.”
Ivey said his high heels won’t be as tall this year because he fell twice last year and hurt his knees and feet. He said this would be his third year participating in the march and that he is one of the top individual fund raisers. Those who want to contribute may visit: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/dennisivey/walk-a-mile-in-her-shoes-2015.
All proceeds benefit the nonprofit Center for Sexual Assault Survivors that serves the Peninsula. The organization raised more than $20,000 last year and those funds helped purchase art therapy supplies for kids, education materials for parents and the community, maintain the nonprofit’s office space and buy supplies for victims of human trafficking. The funds also helped support community outreach hours and a 24-hour response to victims of sexual violence.
The nonprofit said it has been working closely with the Newport News Police Department and the Hampton Roads Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force to identify and rescue victims of sex trafficking. The organization has come in contact with 33 victims of sex trafficking and six have used the organization’s services. The nonprofit aims to open a shelter for victims of sex trafficking and sexual violence, the website said.
Somers can be reached by phone at 757-298-5176.
