MARION COUNTY, Fla. – In January Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA) Marion became the official certified domestic violence center for the county.
Nine months later, it is celebrating the milestone of opening its permanent emergency shelter.
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In 2023, Marion County’s dedicated shelter closed due to lack of funding.
“The new shelter gives survivors a safe, comfortable, trauma-informed location to begin their journey of hope and healing,” the organization said in a news release.
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Lariana Forsythe, CEO of CASA Marion led the presentation for the shelter during the board of county commissioners meeting Tuesday as the shelter is in a confidential location.
“We feel so fortunate to be able to have this kind of positive environment for the residents of Marion County,” Forsythe said.
She also said there is a need for these services in the county as CASA Marion has served 604 adults and children since January via its temporary shelter.
The Florida Department of Health says Marion County is averaging about two dozen sexual assault cases per 100,000 residents. That’s more than double the statewide average.
That data is only based on arrests, meaning there may be even more unsolved or unreported cases, as previously reported.
A woman who received services from CASA Marion shared her experience with the board.
“Me and my children went from a severe domestic violence situation where my ex-husband was charged with second degree attempted murder on me and through CASA’s rapid rehousing, we were able to get a home,” she said.
For more information on CASA Marion and how to get help click here.
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