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“The event originally started as a fundraiser, but it has really grown into an awareness event as well as a fundraiser about sexual assault in our community,” said Deanne Gerdes, executive director of Rape Crisis of Cumberland County, at the Phoenix Center. “We will stroll down to Segra Stadium, and that is where we will be having our after party.”
The Rape Crisis of Cumberland County at the Phoenix Center supports sexual and domestic violence victims in multiple ways.
“Last year, we had 412 victims of sexual violence and 398 victims of domestic violence in Cumberland County, and we provide services from a crisis hotline, responding to the emergency room, responding to law enforcement and going to court,” said Gerdes. “Last year, domestic violence cases were different, but the numbers were not necessarily up because of COVID-19.”
Gerdes added that last year schools were closed, many worked from home or were unemployed and much domestic violence was contained to the home. Many victims did not feel comfortable reaching out or leaving their homes for help for many reasons.
These conditions have impacted federal funding for the center.
“We had closed shelters whether it was due to staffing, COVID-19 outbreak or just closed, and we all took a big hit in federal funding,” said Gerdes. “The services that used to be prior to COVID-19 were not there, and coming out of COVID-19, we are still feeling those effects.”
She added, “For domestic violence, we are focusing on really trying to get victims to a safe place which is more than likely outside of Cumberland County.”
Walk Awhile in Their Shoes event will see men walk four blocks down Hay Street wearing high heels; the walk will end at Segra Stadium.
The traditional red heels have been challenging to source this year, so event planners welcome the support regardless of footwear.
“Originally, it was red high heels, but we just can’t find enough red high heels to be honest with you,” said Gerdes. “Some men don’t wear red high heels for the walk, so they wear red shoes, black flats or their tennis shoes, and we are okay with that. We have some seasoned, older gentlemen that may have hip or knee problems but want to come out and support, and they do, and we are so grateful for that.”
Plans for the Phoenix Center involve working to return to where they were before COVID-19, building back up their volunteer advocates, a pilot program to support the need for sexual assault nurse examiners, advocating for a bill in Raleigh and using funds to rehab their building.
“One of the most amazing things about this walk is that we have victims, their family members and husbands that come to this walk, and they walk the walk,” said Gerdes. “It is so incredible to see these victims in awe of seeing these people supporting them, not knowing who they are.”
Registration begins at 6 p.m. on the day of the event, and the cost is $25, $15 with a student ID; for more information, call 910-485-7273.