WINNSBORO – The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office and Winnsboro Department of Public Safety are teaming up to sponsor Walk a Mile in Their Shoes, a domestic violence awareness walk. Its purpose is to bring awareness and take a stand in solidarity with survivors of stalking, child abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence.
The free event, hosted by Palmetto Citizens Against Sexual Assault (PCASA), is the first of its kind in Fairfield County. It will be held on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 8 – 10 a.m., right before Saturday’s Rock Around the Clock event, at 100 S. Congress St. in Winnsboro.
Similar to the well-known “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,” (where men walk in heels to raise awareness of domestic violence acts against women), the Fairfield County event is set up to include all genders and ages.
WDPS Chief Kevin Lawrence recognizes the importance of spreading awareness through this event.
“The town and my officers respond to and even sometime witness these dangerous situations first hand,” Lawrence said. “The minimum that we can do is partner with this organization (PCASA). The ultimate goal is to prevent these horrible acts and help the victims cope with and move forward with their lives.”
While shedding light on serious issues, the event will have lighthearted awards for multiple categories during the walk, including Best Strut and Who Can Last the Longest.
Participants may decide on their choice of shoes; it is optional that men wear heels and women wear sneakers or men’s shoes. Options will be available for men and women who want to wear something other than their normal shoes. Shoe donations can be made at the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office or Winnsboro Department of Public Safety.
Register for the event in advance by calling 803-581-8313 or emailing [email protected]. Day-of registration will run from 8 – 8:45 a.m. The walk will begin around 9:30; prize presentations will immediately follow the walk.
