They came in hot pink tennis shoes, glittery red pumps and Seahawk-themed stilettos.

And they walked — right down Fourth Street — to bring attention to the issue of domestic violence.

More than 80 men, women and children gathered Saturday at noon at the corner of Pacific Avenue and Fourth Street, many of them in high heels to Walk In Her Shoes. The third annual walk, sponsored by the Kitsap YWCA, is a way to bring attention to the issue of domestic violence. It’s also a fund raiser for the work done at the YWCA ALIVE Shelter, which houses women and children who are escaping from violence they’ve endured from their partners.

Among the teams participating were members of the Northwest Derby Company, a women’s roller derby team from Port Orchard, board members and employees of the YWCA, Tracy Flood for Judge, and county government officials.

“We’re out here to support women,” said Tiffany Munson, of the Northwest Derby Company, some of whom donned purple tutus. “We’re here being strong for women because together we can accomplish anything.”

The Kitsap County team included Prosecutor Russ Hauge, County Commissioner Linda Streissguth, candidate for County Assessor Paul Andrews, County Coroner Greg Sandstrom, County Auditor Walt Washington and assistant Delores Gilmore, and County Clerk Dave Peterson. They wore 12th Man t-shirts, Wilson and Lynch jerseys and other Seahawks gear.

Sandstrom and Andrews made Seahawks stilettos for the event, painted in Seahawks blue and green with glitter ands stickers to boot.

“I’ve been a long time supporter of the YWCA,” said Hauge, who wore tan pumps with purple polk-a-dot socks. “Our office has helped with with the legal advocacy work on behalf of victims of domestic violence and that’s why I’m here today. Besides, where else would I get to wear a pair of heels?”

Nearby, Paul Andrews and Greg Sandstrom showed off their Seahawks heels, as a part of the “Seahawks Gals and Guys County Crew.”

“Our team is here because we support the YWCA and their work to end domestic violence,” said Andrews. “Getting out the message and supporting victims is something that’s bigger than any of us.”

Sandstrom said as coroner, he has had to deal with death and he wants to help victims of domestic violence so that there are no more DV deaths.Sandstrom and Andrews made their shoes themselves and for both, it was a long day.

“I don’t do well in heels,” said Andrews. “But I played ice hockey, so I do have some balance.”

There were games for the kids, free barbecue from McCloud’s, clowns, face painting and popcorn. Many people wandered along Pacific Avenue and took part in a silent auction of gift baskets.

Mayor Patty Lent was on hand to start the walk and help judge the team with the most spirit. Kitsap County Undersheriff Gary Simpson also helped judge. Lent addressed the crowd.

“Those pumps are hard to walk in,” Lent said to the men in heels. “But by doing so you are showing that you are tough men, tough enough to walk in heels and eat quiche. It’s times like this that we realize that we’re all in this together.”

She added that only by working together, men and women, side by side, will we end domestic violence.

After the walk down Fourth Street, supporters gathered at the United Way Building where former YWCA Executive Director Linda Joyce thanked those who participated.

“Thank you for keeping the YWCA programs going,” Joyce said. “Look at how all of you have gone all out to support women and the YWCA.”

She made special note of her friend Walt Washington in his shiny red pumps.

Debbie Brockman, legal advocate for the YWCA summed up the day.

“Today is about the message of hope,” she said. “We want to have a community where women don’t have to live in fear.”

Lent added that “all of us are mentors. Give to others. Give them the happiness you have in your lives and we’ll all be better for it.”

Several awards were given out for costumes and shoes, including “Best Shoes” which was won by Sandstrom for his diamond-trimmed 12th Man Seahawks stilettos.