{"id":47278,"date":"2018-04-13T14:53:08","date_gmt":"2018-04-13T18:53:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/huntsville.dopperonline.ca\/?p=47278"},"modified":"2018-04-13T14:53:08","modified_gmt":"2018-04-13T18:53:08","slug":"ywca-muskoka-issues-community-walk-the-walk-challenge-to-men-across-muskoka-to-help-end-domestic-violence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doppleronline.ca\/huntsville\/ywca-muskoka-issues-community-walk-the-walk-challenge-to-men-across-muskoka-to-help-end-domestic-violence\/","title":{"rendered":"YWCA Muskoka issues community ‘walk the walk’ challenge to men across Muskoka to help end domestic violence"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last April, Ed Novak and his grandson were on their way to YWCA Muskoka\u2019s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event \u2013 they were participating in the annual fundraising walk to stop violence against women in our community. The irony was that, in order to get there, they would first have to pass by police tape: another woman had been murdered by a partner.<\/p>\n

This year, YWCA Muskoka is issuing a formal challenge to men across Muskoka: strap on a pair of high heels and literally Walk a Mile in Her Shoes to gain an understanding that helps end domestic violence.<\/p>\n

According to White Ribbon Canada, women in rural communities are more impacted by domestic violence. Just weeks ago, we heard of three more murders due to domestic violence near Burk\u2019s Falls \u2013 this time the victims were a grandmother, a mother and her son.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIn the last few years, our small community has lost a number of its mothers, daughters and children through partner violence, including my daughter Natalie,\u201d Ed Novak said. \u201cMen cannot stay silent about this; inaction is not good enough. We must take action and have a voice\u2013 walking is one simple way to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

In 2017, 65 men showed up to Walk a Miles in Her Shoes. The fire department; EMS; the Bracebridge mayor and deputy mayor, and our MPP were among them. The goal in 2018 is to have over 100 walkers from all community groups including: teachers, students, clubs, sport teams, media, professionals, business owners, trade workers, religious groups and all government officials. The OPP and the Muskoka Home Builder\u2019s Association are already on board.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the heart of this event is the opportunity to engage men, help them understand the root causes of domestic violence and how we, as a community, can prevent it,\u201d said Hannah Lin, Executive Director of YWCA Muskoka. \u201cAlthough domestic violence is a very serious matter, this event is fun and family-friendly. We encourage walkers to bring their entire families, including the kids.<\/p>\n

Funds from the event go toward YWCA Muskoka\u2019s violence prevention work, including educational programs and workshops for women and youth, along with the December 6th Fund, which provides interest-free loans for women fleeing domestic violence.<\/p>\n

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes takes place on Sunday, May 27 at the Bracebridge Rotary Centre. No registration fee is required. Participants may register as an individual, set their own fundraising goal, join an existing team or create their own team. All ages are welcome and inter-generational teams are encouraged. Register to walk at www.walkamilemuskoka.ca<\/p>\n

By the numbers: domestic violence in Muskoka:<\/p>\n