Men to don high heels to raise awareness of domestic violence

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – The seventh annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event to raise awareness of domestic violence is scheduled for Thursday evening in the Gaslamp Quarter.

The fundraiser for the San Diego County YWCA will include hundreds of men and women taking to the streets in high-heels for a one-mile stroll.

Proceeds will go to the YWCA for its Becky’s House program, which provides a safe haven for domestic violence victims, a 24-hour hotline and counseling.

Awareness of the domestic violence issue has skyrocketed recently with the release of surveillance video showing National Football League running back Ray Rice punching his then-fiancee in an elevator. Rice was subsequently suspended and released by the Baltimore Ravens.

Another running back, Jonathan Dwyer of the Arizona Cardinals, is charged with aggravated assault for allegedly head-butting his wife and breaking her nose during an altercation this summer.

For the fundraising event, check-in is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at Fourth Avenue and K Street. The walk is set for 6 p.m.

An after-party is scheduled for 7 p.m., Jolt’n Joe’s, 379 Fourth Ave.