JOLIET, Ill. – To help raise awareness about sexual assault, State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, recently attended the annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event.

“While we continue to make positive strides to protect women, the statistics show that one in five women will be the victim of sexual assault at some point during their lifetime,” said Manley. “I will continue to fight for legislative action that addresses violence against women.”

Manley, pictured left, has made it a priority to advocate for legislation that protects survivors of sexual violence, including House Bill 2135, which if signed into law will remove the statute of limitations on the prosecution of sex crimes.

“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is an annual event that emphasizes the critically important role men play in ending sexual assault against women,” said Ines Kutlesa, CEO of Guardian Angel Community Services. “While we had the worst weather, we had the highest turnout out at this year’s event. The rain and cold didn’t deter the wonderful men in our community symbolically taking a stand for women and walking a mile “in her shoes.” We are grateful to everyone who joined us to raise awareness and funds in support of vital programming provided through Guardian Angel’s Sexual Assault Services Center.”