Kirbyville Woman’s Civic Club Hosts Abuse Awareness Event: Breaking the Silence Together

Photos and Videos by Rita Shipp

Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard speaks at the Kirbyville Woman’s Civic Club’s ‘Break the Silence’ Abuse Awareness Open House, stressing the importance of law enforcement and community working together to support victims.

KIRBYVILLE, Texas — The Kirbyville Woman’s Civic Club turned its International Day of Service into a powerful call for awareness and action with its “Break the Silence” Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Awareness Open House at the Kirbyville Community House.

The event featured a lineup of speakers, advocates, and organizations who each play a role in protecting victims, supporting survivors, and strengthening community response.

A Well-Rounded Program

Civic Club member Royce Greer praised Vice President Patti Greer for organizing what she called a meaningful, well-balanced program. She thanked members Frances and Jackie for providing refreshments, and applauded the presentations from C.A.S.A. (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard, and B.A.C.A. (Bikers Against Child Abuse).

In the absence of Avalon Place, Patti Greer shared a video from the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) on elder abuse — highlighting how abuse awareness spans across age groups, from children to seniors.

“This was a day of sharing, networking, and supporting one another as a community,” Royce said.

Sheriff Havard: Taking Allegations Seriously

Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard underscored law enforcement’s duty to take every abuse allegation seriously, whether involving domestic violence or child abuse.

He stressed the importance of well-trained investigators who can properly interview victims — especially children — and gather information strong enough to stand in court. His office works closely with the District Attorney’s office and keeps victims informed as cases progress.

Havard also spotlighted several key resources:

• Spindletops' mental health deputy team (a deputy paired with a civilian specialist)

• Texas DPS victim services

• C.A.S.A. advocates

• Texas Attorney General’s Crime Victims’ Compensation Program

He called community awareness essential, saying public education helps citizens understand how to intervene and builds stronger local response when abuse occurs. He described Saturday’s event as “a great way to keep the public informed and engaged.”

Scholarships for Survivors

One of the event’s biggest announcements came from Vice President Patti Greer, who revealed that two scholarships will soon be available for survivors of sexual abuse:

• Local Scholarship — Beginning October 1, high school seniors in the area who have experienced sexual abuse can apply. Application details will be posted online once the period opens.

• Statewide Scholarship — A second opportunity, administered by the State of Texas, is expected to launch later this fall. More information will be shared once available.

“These resources can change lives,” Greer emphasized, urging the community to help spread the word so eligible students don’t miss out.

C.A.S.A.: Consistency is the Key

Representatives Tassie Ferrill, Sheila McGarity, and Cathy Booker explained C.A.S.A.’s role when children are removed from unsafe homes. Unlike CPS caseworkers, who often juggle dozens of cases, C.A.S.A. volunteers usually remain with the same child for the entirety of their case — sometimes more than a year.

“Children need that one consistent person during such a traumatic time,” Ferrill said.

C.A.S.A. volunteers can access school and medical records to spot issues kids may not voice, such as slipping grades or unmet health needs. They work toward reunifying families whenever possible, but if that isn’t safe, they advocate for kinship placements with relatives, teachers, or coaches.

Cathy Booker stressed the urgent need for male volunteers: “There’s such a breakdown in fathers. These kids need to see there are good men in the world.” She added that strong father figures can make a life-changing impact: “The impact that a good man can have in a child’s life is incredible.”

B.A.C.A.: A Family of Protection

Finally, Jim Bob “Cornfed” Young introduced the community to B.A.C.A. (Bikers Against Child Abuse), an organization dedicated to making abused children feel safe and supported.

B.A.C.A. members partner with law enforcement and child protection agencies, showing up as a visible force of support for victims. While the group does not condone violence, members pledge to stand as a protective presence — sending a message that abused children are not powerless and will not face their trauma alone.

A Community United

From scholarships for survivors to volunteer opportunities with C.A.S.A., from law enforcement resources to B.A.C.A.’s protective presence, the event tied together a central theme: breaking the silence requires everyone’s voice.

The Kirbyville Woman’s Civic Club’s Abuse Awareness Open House not only raised awareness but also built connections — reminding the community that real change starts at home, with neighbors standing together.