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Walk raises awareness of the effects of domestic violence

By Staff | Sep 27, 2018

Domestic violence is an ugly menace that most people don’t like to talk about.

To give the community a lighthearted way to open up communication about this very serious issue, the Women Helping Women West Maui Task Force each year holds Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.

The seventh annual event is set for Saturday, Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. to noon at Lahaina Cannery Mall.

Participants are invited to “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” – red high heels – to help raise awareness about the causes and effects of domestic violence against women and to find solutions for ending the abuse.

This year, the annual Men’s March against Domestic Violence will be expanded to include men, women and their families.

The family-friendly event promises fun for all ages with live music by Fred’s Garage, photo booth, keiki bouncy castle, food vendors and much more.

There will be a drawing for a $200 cash prize as well as awards for the best costume and for the walker with the most money pledged.

Take the Red Shoe Challenge by signing up, collecting pledges for the number of “loops” you’ll walk in high heels and bringing your family and friends to walk with you or cheer you on.

In person registration begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, or visit www.westmauitaskforce.org to register to walk, make a pledge, sponsor walkers or make a donation.

The fee to walk is $25 for adults ($10 for students), which includes an event T-shirt. For more information, call Maria Terra at (808) 463-8362.

The task force will kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October with this educational event.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is an opportunity for men to raise awareness in their community about the serious causes, effects and solutions to violence against women.

Before the walk, a speaker gives a brief introduction to the crisis of sexual and domestic abuse to everyone in attendance, and then the walkers all recite the pledge avowing to never condone or commit any acts of abuse.

Equally important, the benefit gets people talking about domestic violence – a serious problem here and everywhere.