"Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" raises awareness for sexual violence

There is an old saying: "You can't really understand another person's experience until you've walked a mile in their shoes." People at ULM are putting that saying to the test on Wednesday.

Women AND men can grab their favorite pair of high heel shoes to strut, and sometimes struggle, to raise awareness for sexual violence.

President of the FemHawks at ULM, Ethan Dennis, says “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” is a lighter way to raise awareness about a serious topic that's affecting college campuses across the country.

Studies show only about 20 percent of college women actually report sexual assault.

That's why the Wellspring will be on campus to explain the services and resources they provide. Sexual assault survivors will also be there, sharing their stories.

Dennis says this fun walk has a strong impact on students for both men and women.

"Usually men learn the impact of sexual assault and they learn just how big of an issue it is especially for women,” he explains. “I think women take away that they have people that support them if they've ever been in a situation like that or if they find themselves in a situation like that."

Dennis says heels are preferred, but not required because they understand that not all women wear heels.

Registration begins at 3:30. People will walk from the library to the bridge on campus. They say everyone from the community is invited to join the walk.