Many years ago, I studied the OODA Loop, which stands for Observe, Orient, Decide and Act. The OODA Loop is a continuous decision-making model to make rapid, effective decisions in chaotic environments. Its purpose is to make decisions faster than an opponent to gain an advantage.

I tell you this because, today, we are not outpacing an evil opponent, sexual assault. Sexual assault is on the rise. In five short years, sexual assault forensic exams for victims in our community have increased 27%. We are meeting this increased need by partnering with the City of Chattanooga to move some of our Rape Crisis Center services to the Family Justice Center, which will double our clinical space in Hamilton County and expanding our capacity in Marion County. But meeting the need is not sufficient; we must follow these actions in a continuous process to confront the scourge of sexual assault from our community.

There are several days each month when we see more than one victim. Not too long ago, we had five victims in one day with ages ranging from 17 to 72. One of these individuals was deaf. Recently, we conducted a forensic exam on an individual who had been trafficked from a young age and made compliant through the use of illegal substances.

As a community, observing is the easy part, but I fear we have become desensitized to evil in our midst by what we read and what we see on the news. We need to speak out against this heinous crime that impacts children, teens, adults, and our elderly. We need to collectively make the decision to act by taking concrete steps as individuals, civic organizations, and corporations.

What can we do? First, I am asking you to join me, our local and state public officials, and law enforcement on April 6, 2026, at 12:00 PM, at the Chattanooga Courts Building, at 600 Market Street, to stand against sexual assault. First Responders and staff from our Rape Crisis Center, Children’s Advocacy Center, and Family Justice Center will be present, along with victims from our community to provide information on how we can act to eliminate sexual assault in our community. Let me know you will be there by registering today using the button below.

Second, you can support nonprofits like Partnership work to “bind up the wounds of the victims, their children and the orphans,” (Lincoln, 1865) and ACT to build safety, stability and hope among the victims of this evil crime.

Kevin Hyde, CEO

RSVP for the Proclamation