HOHENFELS, Germany -- Passing cars slowed to a crawl as drivers on Hohenfels paused to ogle the many figures trooping down the road in high-heeled crimson pumps, Oct. 16. But this was not a parade of fashion models, but rather the second annual "Walk a Mile in Their Shoes" event held as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
With most male participants in high-heeled shoes and most women in combat boots, participants trudged down the main street of Hohenfels carrying banners and earning shouts and honks from passing cars.
"We're putting on this event not only as a fun activity, but also to draw attention to an important matter which is not always comfortable to speak about," said Michelle Stone, Hohenfels Family Advocacy Program victim advocate.
"We have a very close community, a very supportive community, and events like this are important for public awareness because everyone is going to stop and look at these guys," Stone said. "I'm really excited about the turnout, even in this bad weather. This speaks volumes for our community."
Col. John Pirog, Joint Multinational Readiness Center deputy commander of operations group, agreed.
"The tempo on this post is high, everyone is so busy, and for all of these people to take time out of their day to come and be a part of this really means a lot," he said.
Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence. One in four women will experience domestic violence during their lifetime; one in seven men and one in 15 children will also be victims.
Domestic violence takes many forms. Besides physical, there can be emotional, verbal, mental or sexual.
"What we see overseas a lot is financial abuse," said Angela Pate, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Family Advocacy Program manager. "One spouse will take the other's birth certificate, I.D. cards, even their passport and hide them. We say, 'why doesn't she leave?' She can't."
One of the reasons awareness is so important is to simply learn to identify the signs of domestic abuse.
"Without knowing the signs, you don't even know to report it," said Gemma Iglesias, JMRC public affairs. "That's why education and awareness is so important."
"We need to spread awareness; the statistics are too high," said Stone, adding that incidents among the U.S. Army are on the rise. "The Family Advocacy Program is here to support, educate, and offer assistance to anyone in need. If you see something that doesn't seem right, encourage them to call us."
Some Soldiers were able to jog along in their high-heels while others like Sgt. David Perez limped along supported by friends.
"Yeah, this hurts, but it's nothing compared to what some of the victims face, and I wanted to be out here supporting the cause," Perez said.
Conversely, Spc. Michael Bowdry tramped along swinging his hips and doing kicks that might impress a Vegas show girl.
"Twisting and twirling, girl," Bowdry laughed. "Hey, you've got to make the best out of everything; you've got to make it fun no matter what you do. If you don't, all you're going to be thinking about is the pain."
The march seemed to succeed in its goal to raise awareness. Observer Nickayla Meyers-Garner felt the event served as an effective metaphor to the old saying that you can't understand another person's perspective until you've walked a mile in their shoes.
"I think sometimes people don't realize the challenges others face when there are domestic violence issues," said Myers-Garner. "These gentlemen trying to walk in these heels are going to have physical challenges which are a reflection of the emotional and physical challenges faced by victims of domestic violence."
The Army provides multiple programs designed to promote awareness, encourage reporting and provide safety for victims. ACS offers support groups for young parents, anger management classes, marriage counseling and more.
If you need help or simply want to talk with someone about domestic violence, contact the ACS victim advocate. Twenty-four hour help is available at 0162-296-1075.
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