Walk a Mile in Her Shoes ®: The International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence is a nationwide event that invites families to participate in a one mile walk, literally in her shoes by wearing women’s high heels, to raise awareness around issues of rape, sexual assault, and gender violence. The march empowers men to join women in making our community a safer place, and it provides an opportunity for the community to talk about these important issues. Although encouraged, it is not mandatory for walkers to wear women’s shoes.This year marks the second annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes ® event in Santa Cruz County. In addition to raising community awareness, walkers will raise funds in support of Women’s Crisis Support. Defensa de Mujeres, the only 24-hour rape crisis center serving Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley. Women’s Crisis Support. Defensa de Mujeres serves over 1,500 victims of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault each year through the county’s only emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis line, counseling, legal assistance, and advocacy. We are expecting between 1,000 and 1,200 participants.