Manistee will hold its first-ever Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event this April, as part of the broader initiative tied to Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. This nationally recognized event challenges men to walk in high heels as a symbolic gesture to better understand the experiences of survivors and to highlight the issue of sexualized violence.
The concept behind the event emphasizes empathy, with the idea that one cannot truly comprehend another person’s struggles until they’ve metaphorically walked a mile in their shoes. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is described as a dramatic and eye-catching way to raise community awareness about the root causes, effects, and ways to address men’s sexualized violence.
The Manistee event is being co-hosted by Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters (COVE) and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Victim Services Program. Amanda Nasor, Associate Director at COVE, noted that both organizations share a mission to support survivors and typically collaborate on outreach or awareness efforts every April.
Nasor acknowledged the sensitive and often difficult nature of discussing sexual assault, observing that the subject can be uncomfortable or triggering for many people. She pointed out that because it is such a heavy topic, some may not realize the prevalence of sexual assault in their own communities unless it is brought directly to their attention.
To address that, organizers hope to create an event that is engaging and approachable. The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes gathering is intended to be lighthearted while also serving as a meaningful opportunity to talk openly about the impact of assault and the services available locally.
The event is also drawing support from various local organizations that serve vulnerable populations. Participating groups will include Lakeshore Child Advocacy Center, Manistee Friendship Society, Ludington Pride, and Manistee PFLAG. Nasor highlighted the importance of this collaborative effort, explaining that these groups provide essential support to individuals with disabilities, mental health needs, and members of the LGBTQ community.
She emphasized that the unified presence of these groups sends a clear message: everyone in the community deserves to be heard and supported. The event aims to create a safe and welcoming environment for survivors to come forward—whether they are disclosing a recent experience or one that occurred in childhood.
The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event is scheduled to take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on April 26 at Veterans Memorial Park in Manistee.
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