USF’s 8th annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes was held on Thursday, October 15th. It is a walk that recognizes National Domestic Violence Month, and takes a stand against domestic and sexual violence and abuse. Sponsored by N.I.T.E., the event takes the quote “you can’t really understand another person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes” quite literal. Athletes, fraternity brothers and other male students walk a mile around campus in heels to show their support for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, and giving consent. During the walk, signs are also held up with sayings such as “Be A Man, Take A Stand,” and “Real Men Get Consent. What Are You?”
Zuleika Gonzalez spoke about domestic violence and her ordeal in an abusive relationship before the walk. Her relationship ended one night when her abuser beat her unconscious and tried strangling her. She was saved when a neighbor heard the struggle and whistled, scaring off her batterer and saving her life. Everyone who attended the event signed the REAL Promise to end sexual and relationship violence, which was read aloud by Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Jake McGee. The promise entailed that men know 1 in 4 women will be raped during her college years, and 1 in 3 in her lifetime. Melissa Dohme was also a speaker at the event, and is a famous case of surviving domestic violence. She was stabbed 32 times by her ex-boyfriend after breaking up with him- her life was saved by two teenage bystanders who heard her, intervened and called 911. It was a long, rough recovery and one of the first responders ended up dating her, falling in love with her and proposing to her at a Tampa Bay Rays game. It was an inspiring event that supported so many survivors and took a stand against sexual assault and domestic violence.
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