March 19, 2009

The sixth annual Domestic Violence Awareness Night and Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event begins at 4:45 p.m. Friday, March 20, in the Fresno State Free Speech Area and ends at Bulldog Diamond before Fresno State’s softball game against Western Athletic Conference rival San Jose State.

Men are encouraged to participate and show support for the effort to stop the violence against women. Donations of women’s shoes are sought for use in the event, which is a partnership between the Women's Resource Center on campus and the Marjaree Mason Center of Fresno that honors softball Coach Margie Wright, whose sister was a victim of violence.

Walk participants and anyone making a donation to the Women's Resource Center or Marjaree Mason will be admitted to the softball game free.

A recent national study indicated that 13 percent of college women are stalked each year, said Micaela Vargas, coordinator of the campus Violence Prevention Project.

To participate in the walk, contact the Violence Prevention Project at 559.278.5696 or the Fresno State Athletics Marketing office at 559.244.5627. To make a donation, call 559.237.4706.