Sanctuary House says Walk a Mile helps break silence around an issue often hidden in rural areas and affecting most women and girls
New Brunswick has recognized gender-based violence as an epidemic and systemic crisis. The province has had the highest increase in police-reported intimate partner violence (IPV) between 2009 and 2021, with a total of a 39 per cent increase.
As of 2024, women and girls make up 78 per cent of reported IPV victims.
Sanctuary House’s fundraiser, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, raises awareness, sparks conversation, and offers support in rural areas where intimate partner violence (IPV) is often hidden.
“What’s really important is bridging that gap; bringing people into the conversation and having them understand the importance of that and having that humanity layer to it,” said Sloane Rees, Executive Director at Sanctuary House.
“Oftentimes we don’t talk about this, and so survivors are alone in a corner, and we don’t speak about these things because it makes people uncomfortable or we’re ashamed about it. But being able to give this very real epidemic issue a voice, to me, has been really powerful.”
Those who participate in the fundraiser ideally walk a mile in high heels, but Rees said any shoe, from flip-flops to sneakers, is welcome. Rees believes the idea behind the fundraiser is what matters most; even donating alone is enough.
The fundraiser’s signature red shoe symbol represents the urgency and seriousness of IPV. Rees said the bright red is bold and attention-grabbing, which sparks conversation.
The mile walk will take place on Oct. 3 at 12 p.m., in five communities: Woodstock, Hartland, Florenceville-Bristol, Perth-Andover, and Plaster Rock. Each map and registration is available on the Sanctuary House or Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Facebook Page.
This is the second year for the event, but in the first year it expanded to multiple communities. MLA Margaret Johnson suggested the fundraiser to Sanctuary House.
“She’s been a huge supporter of us and really has been trying to get the message out there about how our community is really being affected by all of this,” said Rees.
All proceeds will go to Sanctuary House to help expand its services and cover operational costs.
Sanctuary House is a 24/7 emergency transition house for women and children impacted by IPV and/or family violence.
“Our work really goes far beyond just providing a bed. So we provide crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy, free counselling, often of the client’s choice, outreach, and specialized child and youth supports.,” said Rees.
They also provide help to children who aren’t in the house; if a child is witnessing violence or experiencing it, they offer help.
“Someone doesn’t necessarily have to leave their home to come through our doors and reach out and receive the services that we offer. We’re trying to be more preventative and understand that everybody’s situation is very unique,” said Rees.
Based on the outreach she has received, Rees believes turnout will be larger this year. She said all communities in the River Valley strongly supported the event, along with backing from first responders and MLAs.
“Most rural communities face some very unique challenges, especially our area. When you’re living in rural areas, leaving an abusive relationship can be incredibly complicated,” said Rees.
“Accessing help or getting out of there, housing is limited, services are often further away, and sometimes just simply accessing any of this is almost impossible. That’s why we’re having this event, Walk a Mile, and really why it matters.”
