NOTE: Registered walkers should arrive between 4:30-5:30pm to sign in and pick up their goody bags and t-shirts.

Men from across the Midlands will be standing up against sexual abuse and violence, one pair of heels at a time, on Thursday April 12. Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands’ Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® begins at 6 p.m. outside the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in the Vista.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® asks men to walk in heels to rally the community to fight against sexual violence. The goal is to help men understand and appreciate women’s experiences and realize this is not only a women’s issue.

Men, women, and children of all ages are encouraged to participate individually or in teams. Men should come prepared with women’s footwear, but women are free to walk in their shoe of choice. Want to get creative with your shoes but not sure how? Check out our tutorial on how to create your own pumps.

Parade Marshal will be SC Attorney General Alan Wilson, who will be joined by Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, Lexington County Sheriff James Metts, among others. USC's Cocky will be in the procession, and children can enjoy an animal baloon twister and face painting by a professional clown. An after party will be held at Tin Roof.

Sponsored by Palmetto Health and hosted by Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands, this event also raises awareness about the free local services STSM provides for survivors of sexual assault. 

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® is one of many events STSM holds throughout April, which is designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). All SAAM activities can be found on STSM's calendar.

Click here to see photos from last year's event

Day-of registration will be available UNTIL 1 P.M., but we strongly encourage participants to register in advance (first 500 receive goody bags). Registration will be available on site from 4:30-5:30 p.m. ONLY, for $25.

Our walk route is flat and smooth (except for the first block of cobblestones, which are slightly uneven) and is accessible to all!