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Men Slip On Heels To Raise Awareness About Violence Against Women

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Men kicked off their sneakers, strapped on some high heels and walked a mile in her shoes Saturday.

The mile-long walk started on Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield on Saturday.

They were raising awareness about violence against women.

To fully understand anyone's plight, many suggest to "walk a mile in their shoes." For one group of fashionably fearless, it was quite literal.

For one survivor of sexual assault, it was a personal mission.

"I got involved because I'm a survivor myself,' said Camile Goleb who organized the event. "It was important to me to be able to support the community and I actually did my first walk before anyone knew about my survivor status."

And Camile knows talking about sexual violence, much like hiking in heels, can be awkward, unnatural and painful.

"It's incredibly comfortable so far," said one participant.

From stilettos, to pumps, to platforms – all symbolized the challenges victims face.

"Men have so little understanding of what women go through in many ways," said Barnaby Brown with Walking A Mile In Her Shoes. "Not just superficial, but the things they have to put up with in day-to-day life."

Every walker is also a donor, with proceeds benefitting Pittsburgh Action Against Rape.

"And that's what this community is about," said Hugh Twyman with Walking A Mile In Her Shoes. "And I love that Pittsburghers do this for each other. This is great."

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