Mu-Chi Walks a Mile for Domestic Violence Awareness
Many have said don't judge others until you walk a mile in their shoes. Fraters in the Mu-Chi Chapter are doing just that.
Walking to raise awareness about sexual violence against women, fraters are teaming with 60 others from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington Greek community strolling across campus in women's shoes. They're also raising money for the Rape Crisis Center of Coastal Horizons Center Inc.
Each participant gives a $50 donation and finds a pair of high heels for the walk, dubbed "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes."
The donation benefits the center that provides services to rape victims, including children, men and women.
"I'm particularly proud the fraternities at UNCW are so eager to be involved in this event," said Amy Feath, the center's director. "It's important for males to have a way to take a stand against sexual violence against women."
The program started in Los Angeles in 2001, and has gained national recognition with marches in cities such as St. Louis and San Jose, Calif.
"A lot of times fraternities get bad raps about being violent," said Jason Lynch, vice president of community service for both the Interfraternity Council and TKE. "It's very untrue, especially at UNCW. We treat women with the utmost respect. I thought it important for us to participate."
The Rape Crisis Center, being sponsored in the walk, responded to 372 victims of rape or sexual violence from July 2005 to June 30 of this year.
Of those, 102 were hospital referrals, meaning, on average, more than two rapes a week took place, Feath said.
"That's just the ones that report," she added.
Tau Kappa Epsilon extends a heartfelt thank you to the gentlemen on UNCW's campus for working on such a great cause.
Adapted from a Star News Online Release. If you would like to see news here about your chapter, contact Communications Coordinator Tom McAninch.