Far too often we wake up on the weekends to a sexual or domestic assault email in our inboxes. Domestic violence is a pressing issue, especially on college campuses. Sisters on the Runway, a student organization whose goal is to promote the awareness and prevention of domestic violence, has big plans as it prepares to take on its second year at Penn State.

Sisters on the Runway (SOTR) member Layla Taremi started with the group in 2011 at her high school and knew it was something she needed to continue with after graduation. “After being very successful with SOTR in high school, I decided that without a doubt I would start a branch when I got to Penn State,” Taremi said.

The organization works closely with the Centre County Women’s Resource Center, which is the sole beneficiary of all the money raised by the student organization throughout the year. The main goal of each fundraising event is to create a conversation that fosters attention and support for domestic violence and assault.

Sisters on the Runway is kicking off this year’s efforts with “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” Sunday. The event, which was a success last year, is a walk to raise awareness for domestic violence awareness by asking both men and women to literally walk a mile wearing women’s heels. Sisters on the Runway is partnering with Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity in addition to two business fraternities, Phi Gamma Nu and Phi Chi Theta, for the event.

Public Relations Director for the organization, Nicole Keller, plays a big role in making sure the event runs smoothly. “Domestic violence is an issue that is hard to talk about and too often swept under the rug, so by promoting awareness, it is easier to start conversations so that the number of incidences can decrease and that victims can be heard,” Keller said.

The Centre County Women’s Resource Center uses the funds raised to help victims of domestic violence in a variety of ways. The hope is to create a stronger voice about violence in the community and to make those who have suffered feel they have a place they can reach out to.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes will begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18 in front of the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity house at 339 Fraternity Row.

Those interested in participating can purchase tickets at the event on Sunday for $5. All are invited to attend the event and join the fight against domestic violence.