Local men step up the fight against domestic violence
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Dr. Patrick Sitorious of Janesville will be walking in the YWCA's Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event in honor of his three daughters, from left, Regan, Shelby, and Taylor.
JANESVILLE — One in three women in this country will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.
That's a good enough reason for Pat Sitorius to strap on a pair of women's high heels and walk in the YWCA's Walk a Mile in Her Shoes march for men.
The Oct. 24 event takes great strides in raising awareness and money to help the YWCA of Rock County's domestic violence prevention efforts, programs and services for women and children, said Allison Hokinson, community relations director.
Local men must register to walk and collect pledges supporting their participation.
Among this year's celebrity walkers are Sitorius of Mercy Healthy System, Larry Barton of Nowlan & Mouat law firm, Matt Ryan of Ryan Inc. Central, Mark Terry of Terry Print Solutions, Mick Gilbertson of The Armory, Milton Police Chief Jerry Schuetz and Marc Lovicott of WISC-TV Channel 3 in Madison.
Sitorius said the decision to walk was easy.
"It's a favorite of my wife's," he said of the event.
"She (Terry Sitorius) and Jon (Wangerin, event chairman) are friends. He asked if I'd be willing to participate. Couple that with a great cause that is fun for everybody, it's also a way to keep people aware (of the issues) and helping women who are exposed to domestic violence," he said.
But Sitorius also has three other reasons to walk. His daughters—Shelby, 17; Taylor, 15, and Regan, 13.
When the sisters were asked what they thought about their father being in the walk, Shelby jokingly said with a smile: "We hope he doesn't fall."
Taylor, however, said what her father is doing is admirable.
"It helps get the word out there this does happen, women get hurt and do need help," she said.
Sitorius admits he has a little experience wearing high heels.
"It was for Halloween," Megan said, noting her father dressed up as Cruella De Vil, the mean woman who kidnaps puppies to kill them for fur in the movie "101 Dalmatians."
"So I have some practice," he said.
But seriously, Sitorius does have concerns as a father raising three girls.
"I have seen the statistics (about sexual assault and domestic violence)," he said. "It's a common problem. Most of the time women have been assaulted by people they know."
Both Sitorius and his wife have tried hard to make their daughters realize they have the right to say no and that their male friends have to respect that, he said.
Sitorius also has treated patients with emotional trauma when men don't respect their rights.
"It's still a problem in our society and more than physical safety," he said.
That's why it's important for his daughters and other women to be aware.
"No matter what their relationship is, they have to demand their respect," he said.
IF YOU GO
Who: The YWCA of Rock County
What: Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser
When: 4 p.m. registration, 5:30 p.m. walk, Friday, Oct. 24.
Where: The Armory, 10 S. High St., Janesville.
Cost/reservations: $25 each. Reservations, for the celebration are due Monday, Oct. 20, by calling the YWCA at (608) 752-5545 or online at www.ywca.org/rockcounty. Walkers also may register with the YWCA or online.
Oct 15, 2008 at 3:09 p.m.
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verbal, physical,sexual. they all effect a person negativily.
Oct 14, 2008 at 2:28 p.m.
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What is the source of the "One in three women in this country" statistic? Im not saying that abuse doesn't happen, but 33% seems high. What definition of abuse is being used?
Oct 13, 2008 at 10:08 p.m.
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This is a great cause... I can only hope that most people will look beyond and think of the toll that abusive people (women and men) have on everyone.
Oct 13, 2008 at 9:13 p.m.
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This is a great event for a great cause. I too was the victim of domestic abuse. Mostly it was verbal but I did have my collarbone broken. It has taken years to get back what my ex-husband took from me but I am now stronger than ever. Thanks to the men who have the guts to stand up for some women who can't stand up for themselves.
Oct 13, 2008 at 7:50 p.m.
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a little birdie told me too that the janesville country club chef will be walking too. one other person walking said he wears a ladies size 12 and they were on sale at payless. any lady knows those are always on sale haha and were probably the only pair to pick from.
Oct 13, 2008 at 6:56 p.m.
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busdriver1188- Walking in high heels is optional. There are a number of men who are wearing flats or even women's athletic shoes. We would love to have you and your husband join us on the walk. Please contact the YWCA for more info, 608-752-5545, or on their website www.ywca.org/rockcounty. Thank you.
Oct 13, 2008 at 6:37 p.m.
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I work for the YWCA and I think that this is a wonderful thing that these men are doing. I hope that more people will be willing to participate.
Oct 13, 2008 at 5:59 p.m.
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Growning up in an abusive house I think this is awesome and any ney sayer can get a life. It is tough when women don't know they have a safe place to go. I am going to try to talk my husband into it because he to feels it's a good cause but (lol) he is a 'manly man'. I think he would be more willing if the heels were not involved but I know he will at least agree to donate. :) The YMCA rocks!
Oct 13, 2008 at 4:29 p.m.
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Great job YWCA on this walk. I compliment the men that are supporting this by walking. I hope the fundraiser is successful and I look forward to watching all of you walk in your high heels.
Oct 13, 2008 at 2:49 p.m.
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There's plenty of things I can tolerate, but bringing my five year old son into something is where I draw the line. That should say enough for everyone.
Oct 13, 2008 at 2:32 p.m.
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I wonder what gottabkiddin wrote?
I want to read the rude, crude, vulgar, and socially unacceptable posts, too. Unfortunately, the Gazette Offensiveness Department has decided, for some reason, that the post had to be removed.
Oct 13, 2008 at 2:06 p.m.
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Spark, I was just gonna tell you not to worry about you gottabekiddin because he will be off shortly but the Gazette beat me too it.
Oct 13, 2008 at 1:38 p.m.
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gottabkiddin- Read your first comment below again. At what point is saying an individual (who I might ad is well know in the community) is wearing women's clothes and ripping on him for a good cause a proper comment? You did sound like an idiot. I was just stating the facts and I'm sure everyone else here would agree with that. I never said I was better than anyone else. At least I'm man enough to post what I think right here rather than sending them private. And by the way, leave my kid out of this. What does that have to do with anything? Oh, that's right, you went back to other posts to try and dig up some dirt on me so you had something to say. If you're one of those men that got abused, I apologize, but it sounds like you deserved it.
Oct 13, 2008 at 1:15 p.m.
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Hey gottabkiddin, thanks for sending that nice private message and email to me that you couldn't share on the public post with everyone else.
Oct 13, 2008 at 11 a.m.
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I am the Chairperson of this event. All of the money raised from this walk will help fund YWCA programs that assist women and children who are victims of domestic violence. I am very grateful to the men who are participating in this walk. They are true community leaders for their willingness to put themselves out there to help these victims and raise awareness in our community. I encourage any other men who are willing to take a stand against domestic violence to join us that day. Visit the YWCA Rock County's website for walk information and to register online. Thank You.
Oct 13, 2008 at 10:43 a.m.
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gottabkiddin69 - way to show your ignorance. Kudos to those who are participating in and organizing this event which is sure to raise AWARENESS.
Oct 13, 2008 at 9:49 a.m.
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One final note there is a vigil in Beloit tonight for domestic abuse at 5:30. Also, I was a lucky one who got away after many attempts. Many people are not so lucky and dont have the family, friends or resouces. If it werent for my neighbors calling the police when they heard the screams and one good friend who let me live there for 6 months I wouldnt be alive today and who knows where my children would have been. Before people comment on this please think twice and be a supporter, there is enough negitivity in the world. We dont need more.
Oct 13, 2008 at 9:43 a.m.
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Walking in her shoes is not about reducing domestic violence. Its about awareness. I am a survior of domestic abuse. I left my ex husband with two children and $20 in my pocket. I went into hiding for 6 months filed a restraining order and many court appearings before I could even file for divorce. Back then our legal system didnt accknowledge abuse for grounds of divorce. And if you have children they still get visitaiton rights. 15 years later I just gained sole custody and sole placement of my son who was also a victim of abuse from his father. Even after I was left for dead he still had the rights. If a man walks in womens high heels it is hopefully painful for them. Their feet should hurt. Yes it doesnt come close to the pain and suffering me and my children went through (no one will ever know that pain unless you have been abused)but it is a start. Our community needs to come together and make sure women, men and children who are victims of domestic abouse know what resources are out there.
Oct 13, 2008 at 9:27 a.m.
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gottabkiddin- you're an idiot.
Oct 13, 2008 at 9:03 a.m.
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it's about time that a fundraiser against domestic violence is being started... hope it all goes well...
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