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LOGAN - It was clear that dozens of men tottering around the Logan campus in women's high-heeled shoes had good intentions.
Male students, faculty and staff strapped on pumps, sling-backs, uppers, wedges, pumps and thong sandals to "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes."
In observance of national Sexual Assault Awareness Month, USU's Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information office hosted the comical spectacle on the Logan campus Wednesday to raise awareness and money for campus sexual-assault education-prevention efforts, according to coordinator Rachel Hickman.
She said many people perceive that rape, sexual assault and domestic violence are women's issues, yet research indicates educational efforts aimed at men are powerful tools in violence prevention.
"Inviting men to become allies in ending violence sends a powerful message," she said. "When men publicly stand up and show their commitment, their actions encourage other men to start thinking about how they personally can do their part to end violence."
Visibly wobbly in a size 13 pair of 2-inch heels, USU Student Health and Wellness Center Director Jim Davis said the goal of the activity was to educate the public - and have a lot of fun in the meantime.
"We were a little concerned at first because of the possibility of raising too much humor in dealing with a very serious subject, but I think it brings attention that's needed for awareness of sexual assault and violence on campus and throughout the state," Davis said.
"It's about time that we look at it from a man's perspective and put men in situations where they can examine it very closely."
Money raised by the men who had dubbed themselves the "Blister Sisters," before the 1-mile jaunt ended includes a $100 donation from a 92-year-old Logan woman.
Proceeds will fund campus rape-prevention education efforts and USU's newly formed "One in Four' all-male peer education group aimed at reducing sexual assault and violence. The national organization takes its name from a U.S. Department of Justice study that estimates 1 of every 4 college women have experienced rape or attempted rape since age 14.