MEN ACROSS the town are encouraged to dip a tentative toe into their partner’s shoes today (Friday) to oppose men’s violence against women and girls.
The annual Worcestershire Heels Walk will see local men walk a mile around the town centre in women’s shoes to make a public pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against females.
Participants, including Redditch Borough Council leader Councillor Bill Hartnett, will don heels and flat shoes alike, and totter off from St Stephen’s Church at 2pm.
Participants are asked to arrive at 1.15pm for a pre-walk briefing and refreshments. Plasters and encouragement will be supplied by supporters – as will shoes if required.
With more than one million female victims of domestic abuse in England and Wales each year, 300,000 sexually assaulted and 60,000 raped each year, Coun Harnett appealed for men to join him in the awareness campaign.
He said: “We want as many local men as possible to join us on the walk and make a stand against violence against women.
“Domestic and sexual abuse can affect anyone, no matter their age or gender.
“Shockingly, two women are killed each week by violent partners or ex-partners.”
Anyone who believes they are experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence, or knows someone who might be, can obtain free and confidential advice 24 hours a day from the Worcestershire Women’s Aid Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 980 3331 or the Men’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0327
