Councilwoman Dixon urges support in fight against sexual violence
April 11, 2016
Richland County Councilwoman Julie-Ann Dixon is urging County residents to join men, women and children from across the Midlands in uniting against sexual assault and abuse at the 7th annual Walk a Mile in Their Shoes event.
The event will be held Thursday, April 14 as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
At Tuesday’s Council meeting, Dixon called upon her Richland County Council colleagues to join hundreds of other people – particularly men – who will don heels, pumps and wedges to demonstrate support of this important issue. Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands organizes the walk.
“I’m really hoping to see a big showing from Richland County residents at this event,” Dixon said. “This walk is important to show victims, including those who have yet to come forward, that our community supports them and stands with them.”
Registration and pre-walk entertainment for the event begins 5:30 p.m. at the SC State House. The opening ceremony and walk starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands online at www.stsm.org or 803-771-7273.
Dixon also wants residents to support the nationally recognized Denim Day campaign to promote Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The campaign started after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court in which a rape conviction was overturned. The justices said because the 18-year-old victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped the 45-year-old rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim.
With the approval of the Richland County Administrator, Richland County employees are encouraged to wear denim Wednesday, April 27 to show support for survivors and raise awareness of sexual violence.
