2008 Woodie Awards
These Heels Were Made For Walking
Maggie Ownbey
Issue date: 4/27/05 Section: News
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The reason for the elevated feeling was not because of the size of the stiletto heels, but instead for being part of the fifth annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes March, attended by more than 500 people, including Councilmember Wendy Grueul and guest speaker and rape survivor Aileen Mahoney.
"Thank you for reminding me that men are not monsters, not the enemy," said an emotional Mahoney at the opening ceremony.
Led by the Cleveland High School Drumline, the march, which stretched from the Sherman Oaks Galleria to Kester Avenue and back, brought cars to a halt and shoppers into doorways as the street filled with men wearing everything from platform boots to hot pink heels. Following close behind were family, friends, supporters and volunteers wearing much more sensible shoes.
"It's amazing how many men are out here," said Denise Glascock, sociology major at Valley College and volunteer at the Valley Trauma Center, which sponsored the event. "I'm proud of them."
Rape is the most under-reported crime and the impact can change lives forever, according to Dr. Charlie Hanson, executive director of the VTC.
"Rape will not and cannot be tolerated," said Hanson. "For every woman there's a father, son, lover that's affected by what she suffers."
Participants carried signs that read, "Put your self in her shoes" and shouted, "Stop rape now."
"We're walking as a symbol," said Frank Baird, clinical supervisor at the center and founder of the march, wearing red platform boots. "It's an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to making the world a safer place. Men want to make a difference."
The Valley Trauma Center is a non-profit organization with services helping more than 15,000 people each year. The center's hotlines are available 24 hours at 818-886-0453 and 661-253-0258
