Rise in Teen Sexual Assault Victims Concerns Rape Crisis Center

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Regional Health Council held its monthly meeting today at the Hamilton County Health Department.

At today’s meeting, a discussion was centered on sexual assaults against teenagers.

Representatives with the Partnership’s Rape Crisis Center say the numbers they are seeing are causing alarm and spur the need for action.

Carmen Hutson, the Director of Victim Support Services for Partnership for Families, Children and Adults said, “Last year we served we served 19 teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 through the Rape Crisis Center for forensic medical exams, and this year we hit 19 about November.”

The concern for Carmen Hutson is that these numbers are only the beginning.

Hutson said, “Last year we actually saw a majority of cases coming in the spring, and if that stands true, we are looking possibly doubling the numbers by the end of the fiscal year.”

This is in correlation with numbers seen across the country since the COVID pandemic began in 2020.

Lee Preston, the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner for Partnership said, “I did not see an increase of sexual assault cases during the pandemic, I did see an increase in domestic violence cases during the pandemic. That was seen across the United States as a whole, that was not unexpected. Sexual assaults did increase once things began to open back up again.”

Hutson says she’s seen issues arise with students from select schools in the Chattanooga area.

Hutson said, “We had a discussion, and Howard High School was present. Jose Otero was representing Howard High School. We have had those discussions. This year I’m seeing an increase from students coming out of Brainerd High School. It’s not happening at the school, but it’s happening to students in those high schools and middle schools.”

She added that these cases are normally before or after school hours and some involve substance and alcohol abuse.

Hutson has a message for any teenager who has suffered sexual assault but is scared to tell anyone.

The Regional Health Council gathering at their monthly meeting to discuss sexual assaults in Chattanooga.

Her message is, “That it wasn’t their fault. And that they need to go to a trusted adult who can help them. It could at the school, it could be at the church, or a youth gathering, they need to go talk to somebody because there is help.”

Hutson did say that the Partnership has recently received funding for a Community Educator.

They would be a liaison to reach out into these communities, and it is important they are bilingual.

Preston added that despite being short staffed they are still open 24-7 for anyone who needs their assistance.

They have a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline you can call at any time at 423-755-2700. You can also visit their website.