Men to Walk a Mile in Women's Shoes to Create Awareness of Domestic Violence

BLOOMINGTON, Minn., April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- On Sunday, April 18, men will lead a community walk to raise awareness and funds for a serious subject—domestic violence awareness and prevention. Cornerstone's Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®, presented by Verizon Wireless, will take place at Mall of America®.

The Walk's goal is to inform the community of the valuable contributions men are making to stop domestic violence, sexual assault and gender violence—and to educate the community and raise much needed funds for the domestic violence support and prevention programs of Cornerstone.

"This event highlights the critical role men can take in helping to eliminate violence against women," said Susan Neis, executive director of Cornerstone.  "Based on the premise that to truly get to know someone, you must walk a mile in her shoes, the walk around Mall of America's lower level demonstrates the commitment of men and women to stop violence in the home and community."

The Walk will begin at 8 a.m., April 18, with registration starting at 7:30 a.m. in Macy's Court. Men, women and children are invited to participate, and walk-in registrants are welcome. Registration fees are $25, no charge for children under age 12. Men are encouraged (but not required) to walk in women's high-heeled shoes, which will be available in all sizes for use. Advance registration is encouraged by visiting firstgiving.com/cornerstonemn.

Verizon Wireless is the presenting sponsor of the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® event. The company is a recognized corporate leader for its commitment to preventing domestic violence and raising awareness of this societal issue through its award-winning HopeLine® program. The company collects no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories from any wireless service provider at its more then 2,000 company-owned stores.  Phones that can be refurbished are sold for reuse, and those without value are recycled in an environmentally sound way under a zero landfill policy.  Proceeds from the HopeLine program are used to provide wireless phones and cash grants to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness, such as Cornerstone.

"Domestic violence is a problem that affects not only women—it impacts men, children and the community as a whole," says Seamus Hyland, president-Great Plains Region, Verizon Wireless. "By sponsoring Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, we hope to reduce domestic violence and make a positive impact in our community. I look forward to participating in the event along with many of our employees."

The Walk is also being supported by local community leaders including Bloomington Mayor Gene Winstead.  "Domestic violence is a tough issue to face and something that we all wish we didn't have to," said Winstead. "Cornerstone is an amazing organization that does so much to help prevent violence and I am glad to participate in this fun event with such a serious message."

Cornerstone's mission is to prevent domestic abuse by providing children and adults a continuum of service that builds sustainable self-reliance and revives the human spirit. Cornerstone educates, advocates, and leads the way to social change.  In 2009, Cornerstone served 27,132 individuals.  The agency provided emergency, transitional and permanent housing to families so they could begin to rebuild their lives; counseling and therapy for 750 children and youth; and education for 15,000 students about the importance of healthy relationships and respect.

Although this is the first year Cornerstone has conducted this event, more than 100 Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® (WAM) events have been held across the country as part of the International Men's March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault, & Gender Violence. The goal of the International Men's March is to raise community awareness about rape, sexual assault and gender-based violence.

For more information on Cornerstone's Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®, presented by Verizon Wireless event visit www.cornerstonemn.org/events.php or call Susan Neis at 952.884.0376.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless