Clarksville Reported Rape Cases Rise Nearly 37%

Image Credit: ClarksvilleTN.gov

The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –

Between January 1 and July 23, 2024, Clarksville has reportedly seen 67 total rapes, a nearly 37% increase from the same time last year.

A spokesperson for the Clarksville Police Department (CPD) did not wish to be interviewed claiming that, “pinpointing criminal behavior is impossible,” and choosing instead to comment on the downtick of other crimes. 

However, there appears to be a steady uptick in numbers regarding sexual assault cases over the last few years, with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation reporting 209 non-consensual sex offenses for 2022 in Clarksville (no data is available for 2023 or 2024 at the time of this writing). And according to the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry, there are a total of 327 registered sex offenders in Clarksville.

In response to this rising trend, Clarksville has recently formed the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) comprised of representatives from city, county, and Austin Peay State University law enforcement, healthcare providers, mental health professionals, and local government officials.

SART statistics show 99 more sexual assaults in 2023 compared to 2022 and believes much of the problem lies with the lack of prevention, awareness, and resources. SART plans to launch an app with educational and community resources by the end of the year.

All of these reported numbers, of course, do not include the unknown number of rape or sexual assault cases that go unreported, as many victims feel the process is too hard or complicated, or that they will receive no justice.

If you know or are a victim of sexual assault, please visit the emergency room and make a police report. Even if it seems the system is slow moving, every report can ultimately aid in the prosecution of sexual offenders.  

This upswing seems to be indicative of trends across the state, as earlier this month The Tennessee Conservative reported on the rising number of reported rape cases in Nashville. 

Reported Rapes Surge In Nashville As Other Violent Crime Decreases

Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroot organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.