February 12, 2024

New Help for Marion County Adults and Children in Abusive Relationship...

News

OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Domestic violence victims now have an established advocate to help them in Marion County.

CASA Marion opened a temporary shelter on January 1 and launched a 24/7 hotline.

CASA is an acronym which stands for Community Action Stops Abuse. The nonprofit organization has expanded its program in Pinellas County to become Marion County’s certified domestic violence provider.

The new organization is filling a gap in services, created when the county’s primary shelter shut down on August 1, 2023.

On Wednesday, Feb. 7, the CASA Marion CEO along with a few board members shared how the organization will help adults and children trying to escape abusive relationships.

“There has been a pressing need in the Marion County community to advance the level of care for survivors of domestic violence,” said Sheriff Billy Woods.  Woods personally wanted to be very involved and is on the board. “I am excited about the relationship our community is building with CASA Marion to deliver confidential, free, trauma-informed services for survivors of domestic violence.”

The organization has been providing domestic violence services in Pinellas County for 46 years. It’s one of the largest certified domestic violence centers in Florida, operating one of the state’s largest domestic violence shelters, and providing an array of support services for survivors including the only Family Justice Center in the state.

CASA aims to bring a similar level of care and services to survivors and their children in Marion County through services like emergency shelter, community education, 24-hour domestic violence hotline, advocacy and case management, youth programming, and legal support.

“Marion County has seen a significant increase in domestic violence cases in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for expanded resources and support for survivors in the community,” said Lariana Forsythe, CASA’s CEO.

Forsythe says domestic violence is an underreported crime. National statistics are one in three women and one in four men are, have been, or will be a victim of domestic violence.

“Each and every one of you has been touched by domestic violence. You just don’t know it,” said Forsythe. “It’s a silent epidemic. CASA’s tag line is Stand Up to Silence. When people feel alone and isolated and embarrassed, they don’t bring it up.”

CASA hopes to change that dynamic through educational programs.

“What to look for in the workplace. What to look for with friends and family members,” said Forsythe. “Understanding how prevalent it is and do our best not to victim blame and support survivors as they go through this journey. People don’t understand the intricacies of these kinds of relationships.

As the CASA team has been working with community partners in Marion County over the last several months, Forsythe says they have been receiving tremendous support. And she says community commitment is the key to addressing the complex issues surrounding domestic violence.

“We’re uniquely positioned to come in and start the services from scratch and grow the services over time and impact the community in a meaningful way,” said Forsythe.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship and needs help, call the 24-hour hotline (352) 722-CASA (2272) for assistance or visit the CASA Marion website.