Durant hosted the third annual Kick Up Your Heels event for Sexual Assault Awareness month Saturday.
For the first time, the event also featured a 5K run and a fun run to accompany the annual walk in heels.
Following a competitive 5K run and a noncompetitive 1 mile fun run, men from around Bryan County donned high heels, flats and sparkling flip flops normally seen on women.
This was done in the name of sexual assault awareness and is based off of the saying “you don’t know what someone has been through until you walk a mile in their shoes.”
Men only had to walk one block in the shoes of women but were proud to do so to show support for all women who have been victimized.
According to Calera Police Chief Don Hyde, all men should make their way to events supporting women’s safety.
“If they love their mama they should be out here,” said Hyde.
He said men should not be ashamed to do something such as this to raise awareness.
Hyde said he has made it a passion of his and a priority of his office to protest against all domestic violence.
“We’ve taken a proactive approach,” said Hyde.
Durant Mayor Jerry Tomlinson arrived at the event to don a pair of heels and read a proclamation claiming April as Sexual Assault Awareness month and showing support for the cause.
Statistics have shown that nationwide, one in six women will be a victim of sexual assault and in Oklahoma one in every three women is a victim.
The Crisis Control Center in Durant alone has had more than 17 sexual assault cases reported since July 2012. The center said even though that does not seem like a high number, only one in three cases are actually reported.
The money raised by Saturday’s event goes to Durant’s Crisis Control Center to aid victims in Bryan County.
The Crisis Control Center will also soon be celebrating its 25th anniversary.
The center plans to hold a party at the Roadhouse in Durant on May 9 for the community as well as present and past workers and board member to attend.
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