Rogers State University students, faculty and staff participated in Safenet Services walk-a-thon Saturday, April 10 to support domestic violence victims. RSU’s student government association worked alongside Safenet Services to organize and champion the event.
The annual Walk a Mile in Their Shoes walk-a-thon is a family friendly event aimed to bring awareness of sexual assault and domestic violence. The walk raised money to support the mission of helping women and their families heal from the consequences of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.
“Safenet is a tremendous resource for RSU students. I am proud of the students who volunteered their time and efforts to help facilitate the Walk-a-thon event to advocate for a vulnerable population in our community,” Dr. Robert Goltra III, vice president for student affairs, said. “I appreciate our student’s courage and commitment to advocacy, and I value the resources Safenet provides the RSU student body.”
Safenet Services reported that domestic violence and sexual assault calls in Rogers County has gone up 10 percent in the past year with many still unreported. Research shows that one in four women and in six men will experience sexual assault or abuse.
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes not only raises awareness, but the financial support allows the organization to continue providing essential services such as providing shelter, counseling, empowerment education, victim advocacy and a 24-hour crisis line.
Yleana Esparza, the student government association director of diversity and inclusion, helped plan and facilitate the event at both locations in Claremore and Pryor. The Claremore native said volunteer work at Safenet’s resale shop, Second Impressions, helped her become an active advocate for survivors.
“I fell in love with Safenet’s mission of creating a more equitable community during my time at Second Impressions. The walk-a-thon is an important event for our Hillcat community to participate in together. We are collectively showing support for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking on and off our campus,” Esparza said.
Students walked for the cause in Claremore and in Pryor wearing purple and teal, the colors designated for April’s sexual assault awareness month. RSU won an award for having the largest group participation.
Senior Beth Smith is president of RSU’s Active Minds chapter, a student organization dedicated to raising mental health awareness among college students, via peer-to-peer dialogue and interaction. For the Locust Grove native, participating in the event meant standing up for the voiceless.
“When we show support at these events, when we walk, when we talk, and when we bring awareness about these situations, we enable survivors to take their power back. Being a part of something like Walk a Mile in Their Shoes not only supports survivors but educates and encourages others to be cognizant of domestic violent situations,” Smith said.
Skylar James, the development specialist at Safenet Service, was touched by the visibility and support of the RSU student body.
“There’s nothing more encouraging and heartwarming than seeing young people show their support of important but difficult issues to talk about, such as, domestic violence and sexual assault. When victims can see the large support of our community, it gives them the courage to seek help to ultimately become survivors. Safenet wants to thank RSU for being a large part of that,” James said.