Imagine waking up one more morning to find out that three women in your life had suddenly passed – that their lives had suddenly been taken in an act of violence through no fault of their own.
It sounds extreme, but when you get right down to it, this is part of the reality of domestic violence.
On average, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in this country every day. That’s three mothers, daughters, sisters or friends that are taken away from their loved ones by the hands of cowards. These women suffer from all forms of abuse including physical, verbal, financial and sexual, and perish under the complete control of their abusers.
Angry enough yet? Yeah, we are too. The enormity of this problem is impossible to ignore and the only way to address it is by taking action.
Luckily, organizations like Sisters on the Runway (SOTR) have answered the call. Founded in 2005 by three high school students, SOTR has grown into a national organization hosting multiple chapters and raising over $75,000 to date for domestic violence shelters.
The Penn State chapter was founded two years ago by Layla Taremi and friends and solely benefits the Centre County Women’s Resource Center in State College, Pa. The organization’s main goal is to promote the awareness and prevention of domestic violence within the Penn State community and beyond through multiple fundraisers held throughout the year.
Their first event of the year is called Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, and yes, it is exactly what it sounds like. A walk is held where all participants, including boys, are expected to wear heels and stroll along a predetermined route around Downtown State College. They will be co-hosting the event alongside Alpha Kappa Lambda, Phi Chi Theta and Phi Gamma Nu fraternities. The event is designed to encourage people to think more in-depth about domestic violence and what it would be like to be a victim.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes will be held this Sunday, October 18th at 3 p.m. in front of the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity house at 339 Fraternity Row. Tickets are $5 and will be sold at the event.
We all hear about sexual assault and domestic violence far too often on this campus and the prevalence will continue to grow if we choose not to do anything about it. Pay tribute to the victims of domestic violence while taking steps toward its prevention, and Walk a Mile in Her Shoes this Sunday with Sisters on the Runway: Penn State.
Together, we can end the violence.
If you would like more information on the cause or are interested in joining Sisters on the Runway: Penn State, please contact sistersontherunwaypsu@gmail.com or attend one of their weekly meetings Monday at 7 p.m. in 217 Hammond.
Sources: http://ccwrc.org/about-abuse/about-domestic-violence/