Some sore feet might be the result of an event that walked with purpose in Wichita Falls this weekend. For the first time, the city joined the global movement “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,” an awareness campaign aimed at showing support for survivors of sexual assault.
Originally planned as an outdoor walk at Sikes Lake Center, the event was moved indoors to the Bill Bartley YMCA due to rainy weather. Thanks to their support, the walk went on as scheduled — just under a roof instead of the open sky.
A Global Movement Comes to Texoma
“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” has been taking place in cities around the world since 2001, and this year, First Step Wichita Falls decided it was time to bring it to the local community. The event also marks the beginning of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, making it a meaningful time to get involved.
Kiawa Chambers, Outreach Coordinator for First Step, said bringing the movement to Wichita Falls was about raising awareness in a powerful yet approachable way.
“It’s in big cities like Boston and Chicago. So, we thought, why not bring it here and raise awareness in a fun way?” Chambers shared.
Walking in Heels – or at Least Carrying Them
Participants were encouraged to wear high heels — or at least carry a pair — during the walk. This symbolic gesture is meant to reflect the event’s core message: empathy for survivors.
“It represents walking a mile in somebody else’s shoes,” Chambers said. “You don’t know what someone’s been through until you’ve walked in their shoes.”
By literally stepping into footwear that may be uncomfortable or unfamiliar, participants get a brief but impactful glimpse into the challenges survivors often carry silently.
Local Support From Law Enforcement and Community Groups
To help spread the message, First Step invited representatives from Wichita Falls Police Department and Crime Stoppers to participate in the walk. Chambers said it’s important for survivors to know that help is available, whether from First Step, local law enforcement, or anonymous reporting services.
She hopes the walk encourages survivors to come forward, seek support, and know they are not alone.