Men slip on heels for "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" event

REDDING, Calif. — There were no judgments Saturday, as men of all ages slipped into pumps, wedges, and go-go boots for the "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" event in Downtown Redding.

The 12th annual event was meant to turn heads by asking men and women to strut their stuff through downtown, walking a mile in high heels to raise awareness against sexual violence.

Christine Hixenbaugh with One Safe Place says April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month . So, to combat the high rates of sexual assault we've struggled with here in Redding, they put on the event to give people the chance to talk about these issues.

However, for second time participant, Travis Heide, it was also a chance for him to get outside his comfort zone, putting himself in someone else's shoes.

"You see everybody else wearing the heels. So we start talking about it. Talking about how much it hurts. How terrible it is and all of that. So there is a bonding experience that happens with this for sure," said One Safe Place, Prevention Manager Travis Heide.

Heeled participants walked a full mile, starting and ending at California Street Labs, with a pit stop on Placer Street to have their outfits judged by the Redding Fashion Alliance.

All of the donations they received today will be matched by the McConnell Challenge Grant; up to $1,000 dollars.