TORRINGTON — The Susan B. Anthony Project’s 5th Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes will return to central Litchfield on May 22 for its first in-person event since the pandemic.

The walk is an annual fundraiser for SBAP, which provides crisis and support services to victims of domestic and sexual violence in northwest Connecticut. During the march, men and boys lead the way by literally walking a mile in women’s high-heeled shoes. All genders, ages and abilities are welcome to participate, and high-heeled shoes are optional, SBAP members said.

“The goal is not just to get people walking, but to get them talking,” said Ashley Cerruto, business development associate at SBAP. “There’s no denying the galvanizing effect of seeing dozens, if not hundreds of people strutting to the finish line in these bright red four-inch heels, all in support of victims and survivors of violence. But the conversations that stem from this event – before, during and after – are really what spark the change we are aiming for. Raising awareness of the issues of domestic and sexual violence is the first step to ending this endemic of interpersonal violence, and the Walk allows for a bit of levity that can open doors to deeper discussions and the possibility of healing and creating change.

In addition to walking and fundraising as an individual or as part of a team, those interested in supporting the Susan B. Anthony Project event and services are encouraged to hire a walker, to sponsor the walk, place an advertisement in the event program, purchase merchandise, make a general donation or simply spread the word about the event and raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence issues.

The Susan B. Anthony Project’s 5th Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is sponsored by SBAP agency sponsors Dymax Corporation, Northwest Community Bank and its divisions, O&G Industries, Thomaston Savings Bank, Wallpaper Twenty2 and Webster Bank, and by event sponsors The Beauty Mark Tattoo, Donut Station, Gengras Subaru, King, King and Associates CPAs, National Iron Bank, St. Paul’s Lodge No. 11 and Torrington Savings Bank. Sponsorship opportunities are always available for interested companies and individuals.


Registration is open online at www.sbaproject.org/walkamile. While attendees are encouraged to join the live event on May 22, options are still available for those who wish to participate virtually. Two levels of entry are offered, both of which include the use of the iconic red high heels, which walkers can wear to complete an actual mile, or simply pose for a photo to raise awareness. Groups can also choose to organize their own team walks on a day and location of their choice, with the help and support of SBAP staff.

For more information or questions about the March, contact Gina Devaux at gdevaux@sbaproject.org or Ashley Cerruto at acerruto@sbaproject.org, or call 860-489-3798.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, created by Frank Baird in 2001, is an international men’s walk where men and boys lead the way to end sexual and domestic violence by walking a mile in women’s high heels. Created by men, the Walk gives participants the opportunity to get their communities talking about a difficult topic while raising awareness of the issue, providing opportunities for healing and demonstrating men’s willingness to walk with women and children as allies, defenders and survivors. Learn more at www.walkamileinhershoes.org.

Founded in 1983, Susan B. Anthony Project (SBAP) promotes safety, healing, and growth for all survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, and advocates for women’s empowerment and an end to interpersonal violence. SBAP provides crisis and support services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, transitional housing, court and medical advocacy, individual counseling and support groups, and education and prevention programs, free of charge. , to two towns and 18 towns in northwest Connecticut. For more information about the services and programs offered by SBAP, visit www.sbaproject.org or call 860-489-3798. The 24 hour crisis line is 860-482-7133.