Gentlemen, it’s time to take a stand against sexualized violence. The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) will host a “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes®” event Friday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The walk will take place on campus at 7300 University Hills Blvd., Dallas, TX 75241.
The public is invited to participate or attend the free awareness event. Moreover, it is part of UNT Dallas’ Student Affairs Homecoming festivities. Registration is available through a QR code provided by organizers.
Since 2001, men, women, and families worldwide have joined the award-winning march. “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes®: The International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence” raises awareness about the causes, effects, and prevention of men’s sexualized violence.
This year’s event is sponsored by the UNT Dallas Counseling and Wellness Center, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
UNT Dallas expects many students, faculty, staff, and community members to participate. They will tackle the 5,280-foot challenge by walking a mile in high-heeled shoes. The walk will begin in front of the UNT Dallas Student Center and follow a designated path around the campus.
Participants can wear shoes provided by organizers or bring their own. Additionally, donated shoes will benefit Hope’s Door New Beginnings, a local Dallas agency that supports survivors of domestic violence and their children.
Dr. Allison Tomlinson, PhD, LCSW-S, director of the Counseling and Wellness Center, emphasized the event’s impact. “Domestic and gender-based violence impacts far too many lives,” Tomlinson said. “These effects often remain unseen.”
She continued, “Events like Walk A Mile In Her Shoes bring these issues into the light. Awareness and education are first steps toward prevention.”
Tomlinson also added, “As a university, we are committed to breaking cycles of silence.” She said, “We empower survivors and ensure everyone can access healing resources.”
Furthermore, Tomlinson noted that many UNT Dallas students face domestic violence at home. “We have a responsibility to our fellow Trailblazers,” she said. “We must speak up, get involved, and help save lives.”
Everyone is welcome to walk, attend, or cheer on participants. For more details about the international organization, visit WalkAMileInHerShoes.org.
For information about the UNT Dallas event, contact Dr. Allison Tomlinson at allison.tomlinson@untdallas.edu.
