Men in the Brainerd lakes area need to know about a problem happening in our community, and an upcoming event designed to help solve the problem.
The problem is physical and sexual violence against women and girls. With one in four women becoming a victim of either physical or sexual violence at some point in their lifetime, these problems are a national and local disgrace. Women and girls who are traumatized by violence suffer emotionally, and bring this trauma into other dimensions of their lives. They are our mothers, grandmothers, wives, sisters, daughters, neighbors, co-workers, and friends.
The upcoming event aimed at bringing attention to this problem is the annual Walk a Mile In Her Shoes, to be held on Saturday, Aug. 13, at Mills Ford. You can register at walkamilebrainerdbaxter.com.
Funds raised at this event will support the local direct service work of Sexual Assault Services and the Mid Minnesota Women's Center.
If you can't attend or make a donation, please have a conversation with the men and boys in your life about these three questions. Why is there so much physical and sexual violence against women? Do we have a moral obligation to do something about it? If so, what actions can we take?
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Let's break the silence and end this tragedy in our midst.
Lowell Johnson
Fort Ripley
