Presenting Walk a Mile in Her Shoes 2026
- Blackburn Center
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Are you ready? The time is almost here to Walk a Mile with Blackburn Center. Our signature event, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, takes place each April and brings our community together for a powerful purpose.
This Walk is Westmoreland County’s opportunity to stand up against all forms of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking. Through this event, we raise both awareness of these critical issues and funds to support the essential services Blackburn Center provides.
The 2026 Walk marks our 15th annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, and we are proud to continue this meaningful tradition. Once again, we will come together to lift our voices – and move our feet – in support of survivors and victims, and in pursuit of real change. Our 2026 Walk theme is Empowering Change: 15 Years of Connection. 50 Years of Impact.
We can’t wait to see you there and walk alongside our community in solidarity and support!
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Details
The Walk will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at St. Clair Park in Greensburg. Join us for a morning of community, connection, and impact!
Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the Walk kicking off promptly at 10:00 a.m. Participants can register online ahead of time, submit a paper registration form, or register in person at St. Clair Park on the day of the event. This is a family-friendly event, and leashed furry friends are welcome to join the fun!
From 8:45 – 9:45 a.m., teams are invited to gather for team photos – a great way to capture the energy and excitement before the Walk begins.
Registration is just $10 per person, or $5 per student. A limited number of event t-shirts will be available for purchase for $10 each, and individuals or teams are welcome to create and wear their own custom shirts.
Anyone who lives in Western Pennsylvania know that April weather can be unpredictable. Over the years, we’ve experienced sunshine, rain, cold temperatures, and even snow. We encourage participants to check the forecast ahead of time and dress accordingly. No matter the conditions, the Walk will go on – rain or shine.
Why We Walk a Mile in Her Shoes
Gender-based violence remains a serious issue across both the United States and here in Westmoreland County. The statistics surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of harm are deeply concerning:
Over half of women and nearly one in six men have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime.
Nearly 24 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States.
In a single year, 3.4 million Americans experienced stalking, representing 1.3% of people aged 16 and older.
81% of women and 43% of men have experienced some form of sexual harassment.
Individuals with disabilities aged 12 and older are nearly four times more likely to be victims of violence than those without disabilities.
One in ten older Americans has experienced elder abuse.
In 2024, the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline received 32,309 reports of potential trafficking situations.
These statistics highlight the ongoing need for awareness, prevention, and support for survivors and victims. Our annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event helps shine a light on these realities and reinforces our commitment to ending gender-based violence.
Each year, community members from all walks of life participate. We have long believed that engaging men in our mission is critical to its long-term success – men play a vital role as allies in the fight to end gender-based violence. Many male participants choose to wear high heels as a symbolic way to better understand the challenges women and other survivors face daily. Walking in heels represents the constant vigilance, harassment, fear, and long road to healing that many survivors endure.
We ask that those who wear high heels do so respectfully and in the true spirit of the Walk. This act is not intended to mock women, reinforce stereotypes, or imply that only women should wear heels. We fully support the right of all people to express their gender and personal autonomy in whatever way feels authentic to them.
We also recognize that anyone can be affected by gender-based violence. Domestic violence, sexual assault, and related issues impact individuals of all genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, and economic backgrounds. Our Walk is about awareness, solidarity, and support for all survivors and victims, while celebrating the role of men and community members as partners in creating meaningful change in our community.
Will You Walk a Mile in Her Shoes With Us?
In recent years, around 1,000 people have participated in Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. In 2026, our goal is to welcome over 1,500 walkers – coming together to raise awareness, show solidarity and strengthen our community support of Blackburn Center’s mission. Will you join us and help make a difference?
As always, if you or someone you know needs help, Blackburn Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-888-832-2272 to speak with a trained crisis counselor (TDD available). All calls are free of charge and can be anonymous.
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