First responders in Darien, Connecticut, told The Darien Times that many members of their community were victims of domestic violence. The local firefighters, emergency medical personnel and police officers bonded together to raise awareness of the issue and raise money for victim services provided by the Domestic Violence Crisis Center. The event is called Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. On Oct. 3, the first responders will don bright red high heels and join the civilians participating in the Darien Walk-a-thon. Many of the first responders are working to develop sponsorships for their walk, the proceeds of which will also go to services for domestic violence victims.
The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes campaign was founded in 2001 as a way to encourage men to take action in the fight against domestic violence. According to the website, the organization became a "world-wide movement with tens of thousands of men raising millions of dollars for local rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters and other sexualized violence education, prevention and remediation programs."
The Darien first responders have not yet announced a fundraising goal, but The Darien Times wrote that donations can be made in either cash or check, with checks being made out to "Walk A Mile in Her Shoes 06820."