ABOUT 50 men walked over a mile around Redditch Town Centre sporting high heels to raise awareness of domestic violence.

On Friday, November 27 at 2pm the group taking part in the annual Worcestershire Heels Walk set off from St Stephen’s Church following a warm up session.

The event, which takes participants through the Kingfisher Shopping Centre, Church Green West and towards the Town Hall, sees competitors pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls.

Members of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service took part in the walk and students from North Bromsgrove High School came out with posters and banners to support the event.

Council leader Bill Hartnett managed to convince one male student from the school to don a pair of heels attendants were on side to offer plasters and other first aid to participants.

Councillor Hartnett, who described the event as a huge success, said: “The aim is to raise awareness of domestic violence and not keep it behind closed doors. We want people to report this.

“There are some staggering figures.

“Domestic and sexual abuse can affect anyone, no matter their age or gender,” he added.

There are over one million female victims of domestic abuse in England and Wales each year, over 300,000 women are sexually assaulted and 60,000 raped each year.

More than a third of reported rape victims are under the age of 16. On average two women are killed every week by a current or former male partner.

Anyone who believes they are experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence, or knows someone who might be, can obtain free and confidential advice 24 hours a day from the Worcestershire Women’s Aid Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 980 3331 or the Men’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0327.

For more information about the campaign visit whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/worcestershire.