Commissioner wears heels to raise awareness for Alternatives to Violence Center’s ‘Walk A Mile In Their Shoes’ campaign

Highland County commissioners issued a proclamation in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which was accepted by representatives of the Alternatives to Violence Center. Pictured (l-r) are commissioner David Daniels; Lynn Knisley, Jeanine Mullenix, Dara Gullette and Stacy Cox of the Alternatives to Violence Center; and commissioners Brad Roades and Terry Britton.

Highland County Recorder Chad McConnaughey also wore the heels, after being nominated by Commissioner Brad Roades.

Bringing an element of humor to a sobering topic, Highland County Commissioner Brad Roades donned a pair of red high heels, at the request of Alternatives to Violence Center representatives, to read a statement in honor of “Walk A Mile In Their Shoes” for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The Alternatives to Violence Center is a domestic violence, rape crisis and child advocacy center providing 24-hour crisis intervention, education and community awareness. Agency advocates, therapists, nurses and lawyers are specifically trained to provide immediate services utilizing trauma-informed care.

Alternatives to Violence Center director Dara Gullette, accompanied by staff members Stacy Cox, Lynn Knisley and Jeanine Mullenix, said that instead of the usual proclamation reading from the commissioners’ office, they were asking Roades to read the “Walk A Mile In Their Shoes” campaign information.

The campaign is to raise awareness for the need for new and gently used shoes for men, women and children. Donations of shoes, as well as other items such as gift cards, gas cards, hygiene items and nonperishable food items, can be donated to the Center, which is located inside the Hillsboro Orpheum at 135 North High St., suite 1.

“I have something special for Brad to read today,” Gullette said. “For the month of April, it is called ‘Walk a Mile in Their Shoes. It usually is entailed in a man wearing high heels, walking a mile.

“We’re not going to make you walk a mile in high heels, but we are going to make you wear some while you read this.”

Gullette added that Roades was nominated by Chief Deputy Brandon Stratton of the Highland County Sheriff’s Office, as Stratton was nominated by Hillsboro Municipal Court Judge Chad Randolph. Both Randolph and Stratton have read the campaign statement, while wearing heels, for the AVC’s social media.

Roades selected a pair of red heels and stood in front of the commissioners’ desk, to the amusement of fellow commissioners Terry Britton and David Daniels, to read the reasons for the campaign.

“Have you and your children ever had to leave your home in the middle of the night with only the clothes on your back?” the campaign statement reads. “Have you ever had to file for a protection order in fear of your partner but not have the appropriate court attire? Have you ever left your home in nothing but a robe and slippers because your friend stopped by do a welfare check and this was the moment you could escape your abuser?

“Have you ever had your partner threaten you with a gun and are afraid to return home to collect your personal belongings? Have you ever had to relocate, be placed in a shelter or safe house and leave everything you own behind? Have you ever been sexually assaulted and had your clothes collected for forensic evidence?

“Have you ever had to start over and can’t afford clothing for you or your children that is appropriate for the current season? Have you ever had your clothes burned from retaliation from your abuser? Have you ever had your clothes ripped, torn and/or ruined from blood stains during an attack?

“Have you ever witnessed a child without a coat or shoes during a winter weather advisory because your partner doesn’t allow you to have access to money? Have you ever had to find a job to support your family after leaving an abuse home but not have clothing appropriate for the interview process and/or for the position?    

“Have you ever had to walk to and from work because your abuser has the vehicle in their name? Have you ever had to be revived from an attack and had your clothes cut from your body so paramedics could assess your injuries?

“These are just a few examples and reasons why Alternatives to Violence Center is asking our community to Walk a Mile in Their Shoes. Alternatives to Violence Center is seeking donated new and gently used shoes for men, women and children. Other items you can help with include gift cards, gas cards, hygiene items and nonperishable food items. Thank you for your support. ‘There is power in kindness.’”

After Roades read the statement, commissioners presented their proclamation in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, while Roades nominated Highland County Recorder Chad McConnaughey as the next gentleman to wear heels. McConnaughey, who attended the commissioners’ meeting for a separate appointment, posed for a photo before the AVC representatives left.

You can follow the Walk a Mile in Their Shoes posts throughout the month on the Alternatives to Violence Center’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AVC1981/.

If you are in need of help, the AVC has locations in both Highland and Clinton counties. The Highland County office is located at 135 North High Street, suite 1, Hillsboro, and can be reached at (937) 393-8118. To reach the 24-hour crisis line, call (888) 816-1146. Services include an emergency shelter; personal, medical and legal advocacy; parenting support; support groups; therapy; safety planning; forensic programs; emergency legal advocacy; housing and relocation; information, education and referrals; the Community Advocacy Project; the Real Life Heroes program; and transportation and cell phones.

For more information on the Alternatives to Violence Center, including how to support their mission, go to: https://www.avconline.info.