GBMC's 'Walk a Mile in Their Shoes' Raises Funds for Domestic Violence Victims

The annual fundraiser supports the hospital's Safe Domestic Violence Program that provides free exams and support services.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:05pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of multiple pairs of sneakers in a repeating grid pattern, representing the footwear worn by participants in the 'Walk a Mile in Their Shoes' fundraiser event.The annual 'Walk a Mile in Their Shoes' fundraiser at GBMC brings the community together to support survivors of domestic violence and raise awareness of these prevalent crimes.Baltimore Today

Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) is hosting its annual 'Walk a Mile in Their Shoes' event on April 17 to raise money for the hospital's Safe Domestic Violence Program. The 1-mile family walk around the hospital campus aims to raise awareness and funds for the program, which provides free exams, forensic nursing, victim advocacy, and other services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking.

Why it matters

The event highlights the prevalence of personal violence crimes in the Baltimore community, with an estimated 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men becoming victims of these crimes in their lifetime. The funds raised directly support GBMC's comprehensive services for survivors, helping them access critical care and support in a safe, private environment.

The details

The Safe Domestic Violence Program at GBMC operates around the clock, providing a dedicated team of forensic nurses, victim advocates, and child abuse social workers to care for men, women, and children in a secure, separate space from the hospital's emergency room. The goal for this year's 'Walk a Mile in Their Shoes' event was to raise $225,000, which the organizers have already surpassed.

  • The 'Walk a Mile in Their Shoes' event is scheduled for April 17, 2026 at 4 p.m.

The players

Laura Clary

The director of the Safe Domestic Violence Program at GBMC.

Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC)

The hospital hosting the annual 'Walk a Mile in Their Shoes' fundraiser to support its Safe Domestic Violence Program.

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What they’re saying

“It really is not just about raising funds for our program but more about raising awareness about sexual assault; domestic violence; child, physical and sexual abuse; and human trafficking that happens in our community.”

— Laura Clary, Director of the Safe Domestic Violence Program

“I think people don't realize how prevalent these crimes are in our community, so they say upwards of 1 and 4 women, upwards of 1 and 6 men or boys will be a victim of some sort of personal violence, whether we domestic violence, child abuse, sexual violence in their lifetime.”

— Laura Clary, Director of the Safe Domestic Violence Program

What’s next

The 'Walk a Mile in Their Shoes' event is scheduled for April 17, 2026 at 4 p.m. on the GBMC campus. Registration and donation details are available on the hospital's website.

The takeaway

GBMC's annual fundraiser highlights the critical need for comprehensive support services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking in the Baltimore community. By raising awareness and funds, the event directly enables the hospital's Safe Domestic Violence Program to continue providing free, trauma-informed care to those affected by these pervasive personal violence crimes.