Walk a mile in their shoes 2014

After a successful launch of the 2013 Harcourts Victoria Walk a mile in their shoes, we are putting on our heels again on the 9^th of May raise awareness of the issue of violence against women.

Why Violence

This is an issue that is hard, violent and dark with jagged edges. Yet today on the news we constantly hear of violence in our streets, in homes, in nightclubs. Parents having to turn off life support machines, young men dying from a single punch, women murdered by partners or someone they don’t know. This is an issue that impacts our families, friends and communities we work in.

I have seen first-hand the impact on violence on partners, families, children and friends. They never get over it, the sadness and emptiness is profound and heart breaking.

Many of you reading this may not be aware of the increased incidence of violence towards women. (Following was gained from the White Ribbon website)

·         At least one woman is killed in Australia every week by a current or former partner

·         One in three Australian women over the age of 15 reports having experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives.

·         In 2013 the cost of violence towards women and children had reached US$14.7 billion

·         Domestic and family violence is also the major cause of homelessness for women and their children.

The above data shows that the impact of violence against women is widespread and long-standing, it generates profound personal, social and economic costs for individuals, communities and the nation.

Given the above data as well it is likely that we will know someone who has been impacted by violence they just may not have told you.

How can you help?

Join us in the walk; join us to raise money for awareness programs for White Ribbon. Research tells us that prevention of violence starts with education and changing attitudes and behaviours at schools between the ages of 8 – 18 years. Our goal this year is to raise $50K

Join us in the walk and in one voice let’s make a stand that violence of any kind is simply not OK.

Let’s unite men and women in high heels and give voice to those caught in the violence cycle who don’t have one and courage to those who need it to seek help.

Let’s unite on the 9^th of May and in a gentle way shake the world and raise awareness.

Let’s unite because the victims could easily be our mothers, sisters, daughters, girlfriends or ourselves.

To register or donate is really easy, simply follow the link to the White Ribbon site. http://www.whiteribbon.org.au/events/harcourts-victoria-walk-in-their-shoes-2014

I look forward to walking with you