Walk a Mile in Her Shoes raises awareness of domestic violence, sexual abuse

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Passersby on the MTA New Haven train line saw a large gathering at the Fairfield station Saturday morning, as family, friends, pets and volunteers, some donning red high heels, participated in the 14th annual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes event, hosted by The Center for Family Justice (CFJ).

The event, which raises funds for programs to combat domestic violence and sexual assault, has continued to raise awareness surrounding these topics. As participants shared coffee and mingled during the registration period, many guests spoke to the crowd, including U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, who emphasized working to combat domestic violence, both through organizations like the CFJ and in legislature.

Another speaker, Aquarion Water Company CEO Lucy Teixiera, stressed the importance of supporting the Center for Family Justice.

Backed by sponsors like Dogfather Grooming, Sacred Heart University, Connecticut State Community College, and WEBE 108, attendees made their way to Fairfield Town Hall, where more information about the programs CFJ runs were shared, including Pathways to HOPE, which helps aid youth who have been impacted by sexual violence and domestic violence.

Proceeds from the walk not only help the Pathways to HOPE program, but also the Camp HOPE program, which has continued to help youth receive help with violence and abuse.

“We’re raising over $50,000 today, and that goes to pay for all the things that the kids need,” said Mark Antonini, interim president of CFJ. “Everything we do for them is free. They get involved in music and STEM and a lot of other things, and it’s wonderful.”

At the helm of the walk were the Connecticut Hurricanes, a highly decorated drum corps who have continued to participate in the walk for many years, and the Tau Delta Tau fraternity. They were also joined by important staff and members of CFJ, including counselors and participants at the Camp HOPE program.

Once the procession reached Fairfield Town Hall, TV host and author Mar Jennings, who will perform an inspiring “One-Man Show” at the Sacred Heart Community Theatre in Fairfield on May 22, shared lessons he had learned throughout his life with the crowd and asked attendees to support the show.

A raffle was also hosted, where a goodie bag with dog products given by The DogFather Grooming and a television were given away.

“It’s really about awareness, that’s what is really important today,” said Antonini. “We want people to know that the Center for Family Justice exists and that we are here to help you.”

Police officers from all six towns the center supports were honored, including from Monroe, Easton, Trumbull, Fairfield, Bridgeport and Stratford. Fairfield First Selectwoman Christine Vitale also spoke.

“If I’ve learned anything, it’s that sometimes people just need a purpose to get involved,” said Gary MacNamara, a member of CFJ’s board of directors, who is director of public safety at Sacred Heart University and a former Fairfield police chief. “Oftentimes violence against women is done behind closed doors. This is our one day where we bring it out in the open.”

Anyone in need of assistance can contact The Center for Family Justice at its 24 hour domestic violence hotline, 1-203-384-9559, or the sexual assault hotline, 1-203-333-2233.