HIGH HEELS ‘TO HIGHLIGHT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE’
WHEN chasing a crook, they would not be much use. But policemen pulled on high heels yesterday to highlight the issue of domestic violence. Dozens of officers strutted their stuff across Cardiff city centre with the traditional uniform rounded off with colourful footwear.
A pair of officers were pictured proudly displaying their unorthodox shoes with one opting for a white open-toed wedge and the other going for a kitten heel.
Even the police and crime commissioner for South Wales Police donned a pair of pink stilettos. Alun Michael’s walk was slightly unsteady as he posed for a short video which was posted to his official Twitter account.
A spokesman for South Wales Police said some of their colleagues would be seen out in Cardiff Castle yesterday to take part in the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes campaign. The international campaign was borne out of the belief that ‘You can’t really understand another person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes’.
Shoes in all shapes and sizes made the journey – from glamourous glittery pairs to more practical options.
Chief Inspector Jason Redrup said: ‘Our precarious styles on heels certainly turned heads as we walked through the busy streets and lots of people took photographs along the way. And that’s what it’s all about really – unfortunately as police officers we see first-hand the impact of violence against women, and it’s a way for us to encourage others to make a stand against that.’
Mr Redrup, assistant police and crime commissioner Mark Brace, officers Dan Michel and James Dowler, and support staff Adam Like and Richard Watkins took part.