Local men wear high-heel shoes for a good cause

MARQUETTE — One in four women and one in six men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.

Yesterday, all across the county people participated in the “Walk A Mile in her shoes” project.
The event raises awareness about the issue of sexual assaults, as awareness is the first step in trying to combat this problem.

“We’re here to show our support for the community and for the victims of sexual crimes. I’m a men’s 10 1/2 and these are women’s 7 1/2. It’s kind of like walking in a funnel,” said said supporter Hunter Ihrlg, “I smashed ’em in there and fought all the way up and down the hill! It’s a good cause. It’s worth it to go all the way up the hill in really small shoes that hurt.”

“It’s both a figurative and literal way for males to come out and show support against sexual violence against females. It’s just as important for men to be aware of this as the females as well. Everybody needs to be informed to have consent,” added sexual assault advocate Kelly Laasko.

This is the 12th year the event has been held in Marquette. Approximately 160 people walked for the cause. Many of the men say they couldn’t find shoes to fit but they still wanted to participate and show their support.