Content Warning: This article contains discussions of sexual and domestic violence.
Slipping on a pair of heels and walking from Curtiss to Beardshear Hall, the Iowa State community raised awareness for victims of sexual assault Sunday with the second annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, hosted by the Iowa State Collegiate Panhellenic Council.
“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is hosted to raise funds for ACCESS, which is the Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support,” Zoey Lohse, president of the council, said. “It’s a full community event, not just for Panhellenic women, but for anyone in the Iowa State community.”
The money gathered through the $5 participation fee was donated to ACCESS.
Kira Nelson, a sexual abuse advocate primarily serving campus, explained that ACCESS provides crisis counseling and advocacy at no cost.
“What’s really unique and different about our position, as to others throughout campus, is that we are confidential,” Nelson said. “So that means that if mom and dad call or the police call, I can’t be brought in to testify or tell anyone anything unless you give me permission.”
In addition to raising awareness about sexual violence, students should also pay attention to the issue of domestic abuse. According to the National Domestic Abuse Hotline, 43% of dating college women report experiencing violent and abusive relationships.
“Creating awareness for sexual and domestic violence is really important to providing support,” Iowa State President David Cook said. “Making it really clear on this campus that we don’t tolerate that kind of behavior.”
According to the American Psychological Association, 25% of college women experience ‘campus sexual assault.’ Per the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, 7% of college men experience sexual violence.
On Sept. 25, Sept. 29 and Sept. 30, students received alerts from the ISU Department of Public Safety that a sexual assault was reported on campus. Two reports detailed that the incident occurred in dorms, and one detailed that the incident occurred at Delta Tau Delta Fraternity.
“We are here to believe and to support survivors,” Nelson said. “What’s important is that their voice is heard.”
Members across sororities and fraternities walked in support of the cause.
“I’m here today to raise awareness for sexual assault victims,” Natalie Rhodes, a member of Gamma Phi Beta, said.
Kennedy Haag, a member of Delta Gamma, shared that she hopes the event continues to grow each year, with more students showing up in support of victims of sexual violence.
Individuals in need of support can contact ACCESS 24 hours a day at 1-800-203-3488, and can find more information on their webpage.