Community Comes Together for 13th Annual Walk A Mile in My Shoes

ZANESVILLE, OH – Monday night in front of the Muskingum County Courthouse was filled with laughter, tears, and healing.

The Muskingum County Domestic Violence Coalition as well as Transitions hosted the 13th annual Walk A Mile in My Shoes event on the 5th and at times there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd.

Dorothy Thomas, the Chair Person for the Event, says while they have fun with the big groups and celebrity walkers, the message behind the evening is to show survivors of domestic violence are never alone.

“I think it’s important to let people understand that it’s not easy to be a victim/ a survivor.” Thomas said. “So I think when they have to see how hard it is to walk in somebody else’s shoes, they will realize, maybe, not to judge.”

The night is also a fundraiser to help with Transitions Advocacy work they do for domestic violence victims as well as the survivors who get away from their abuser.

There was a raffle, guest speaker Janette Murvine, a local mother who shared her experience losing her daughter to domestic violence over 6 years ago, musical performances by Rachel Dillon, and an awards ceremony highlighting community members making lasting impacts for others.

“So to me, it’s a big honor because Mitzi Shook, Todd Bickle, Mick Amicone used to do a lot for our walk.” Thomas said. “They sponsored it, they walked in it for years and so all of them are gone and in their memory, it just means a lot.”

If you are interested in participating in next year’s Walk A Mile in My Shoes event, you can reach out to Transitions.