REACH, the Haywood County nonprofit whose mission is to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, recently moved into the house formerly occupied by KARE, the organization dedicated to helping child victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

The following articles highlight the work being done locally to help prevent domestic violence and sexual assault in Haywood County and the surrounding area:

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. REACH advocates routinely work with victims and survivors of all forms of sexual assault and abuse. After 38 years in this work, I can say, without reservation, that sexual assault, particularly child sexual assault, is our most underreported crime. It devastates victims in innumerable ways and leads to many other forms of both victimization and perpetration. 

Protecting children from harm requires a coordinated, informed, and proactive approach. KARE House, a children’s advocacy center in Haywood County, is dedicated to supporting children and families affected by abuse, neglect or exploitation. This work is carried out through comprehensive services including outreach, advocacy, specialized interventions and a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach designed to put children first. 

Behind closed doors, domestic violence and child abuse often unfold side by side, feeding off the same roots of fear and control. 

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re reminded that protecting survivors means protecting families as a whole. When we support survivors of domestic violence, we safeguard the health and stability of entire households. 

Members of the community, including numerous people from several law enforcement agencies, gathered on the lawn in front of Haywood County’s historic courthouse last Wednesday for an event to highlight a growing problem in our community — child abuse. 

In recognition of April as child abuse prevention month, KARE is inviting the community to join in celebrating the strength and hope that help families thrive.

District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch announced that a Cherokee County man pleaded guilty to intentional child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury. 

As increasing child abuse rates continue to plague many homes in Haywood County, a recent red herring took hold on social media, leading the Waynesville Police Department and Haywood County Sheriff’s Office to investigate an alleged human trafficking ring that doesn’t seem to exist.

For more than 30 years, the Robert Forga Family KARE House has served as Haywood County’s evidence-based, collaborative children’s advocacy center, helping the community prevent and authorities prosecute physical and sexual child abuse. After a recent reaccreditation by an important national agency, KARE looks to be on solid ground for at least another five years.

Cherokee resident Forrest Cole Stamper, 28, will spend four years in federal prison after pleading guilty in federal court to abusive sexual contact of a minor.