Students urged to stand up to power-based violence with 'A Mile Together'

Ohio University students will have the opportunity to take a stand against power-based violence.

Originally started back in 2015, “A Mile Together” will take place Sept. 26, 2018, bringing the conversation of power-based violence to the forefront. 

“The mission of AMT is to generate awareness of issues of power-based, gender-based, and sexual violence that impact the OHIO community and society at large,” Assistant Director of Health Promotion for Sexual Assault/Misconduct Prevention Mat Hall said.

While “A Mile Together” is something fairly new its roots run deep on OHIO’s campus.

The original event, named “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes," took place on Court Street for a number of years. In 2015 the name was changed to "A Mile Together" in to reflect the fact that power-based violence is not something that is only faced by women.

“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes had been hosted at the University for many years,” Hall said. “At the event, men wore high heels during a one-mile march down Court Street to raise awareness of (how) sexual violence and dating/domestic violence impact women.”

In the past “A Mile Together” has taken place over a week but this year Better Bystanders opted to make it a month-long event all leading up to “A Mile Together.”

Events that led up to the main event included:

• The What Were You Wearing panel of experts on Sept. 5
• A Survivor Speakout at Donkey Coffee on Sept. 11 
• Bystander Intervention Tabling/Resources at the OHIO Field Hockey game on Sept. 15
• A POWER Hour on the Red Zone on Sept. 19
• A Marti & Stewie Craft Night on Sept. 20

The main event of “A Mile Together” will take place Sept. 26.  

At the main event, students will have the opportunity to earn an “A Mile Together” T-Shirt after going through a brief power-based violence training. After students have received their shirts they are encouraged to ride the escalators in Baker University Center for 30 minutes while wearing them to help spread the word about power-based violence.

Resources will also be available for students who would like to get involved with Better Bystanders as well as other prevention initiatives taking place throughout the year. 

The closing event will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 28. The LGBT Center will host a “Crafternoon.”

Students may preregister for “A Mile Together” here.

“A Mile Together” is put on by Better Bystanders Collaboration with The Survivor Advocacy Program, The LGBT Center, The Center for Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, The Women’s Center, Donkey Coffee, Brenen’s Coffee, Student Senate and OHIO Athletics.