A Marion County organization that offers domestic violence services has already impacted the lives of around 1,000 adults and children locally in just its first 17 months in existence.
Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA) Marion was established in January 2024 to extend domestic violence services to local residents of Marion County.
During its first year in existence, the organization did just that, providing over 13,000 services to approximately 915 survivors, including 619 adults and 296 children.
The organization also provided emergency shelter to 105 adults and 127 children during its first year, answering 1,061 calls for service through its 24-hour hotline.
CASA also provided 2,158 justice advocacy sessions and 229 individuals received increased access to legal services, including many who received assistance in filing restraining orders.
Originally founded in 1977 in Pinellas County, in 1981, CASA was incorporated as an emergency domestic violence shelter to accommodate 22 participants, children’s programs, and an outreach department to provide peer counseling and support groups. In 1992, the fundraising groundwork was laid to open a 30-bed shelter. In 1998, the CASA Collections Thrift Shoppe was opened to collect items for domestic violence survivors and raise funds for the organization. In July 2015, CASA opened the doors to a newly constructed 99+ bed domestic violence center. CASA opened Florida’s only Family Justice Center in October 2022.
“CASA’s mission is to challenge the societal acceptance of all forms of domestic violence through advocacy, prevention, intervention, and support services,” reads a statement from the organization.
In April, the group was awarded the 2025 Purple Ribbon Award for Organizational Hope Story of the Year by DomesticShelters.org, a database of services and resources for victims and survivors of domestic violence.
The awards are the first comprehensive program that honors individuals in the domestic violence movement, including advocates, programs, shelters, survivors, and members of the community support system. A national panel of professionals in the domestic violence field select each award, according to CASA Marion.
“It is deeply meaningful to receive this recognition so early in CASA Marion’s journey,” said Lariana Forsythe, chief executive officer. “Since launching in January, our team has worked with heart and urgency to build a foundation of safety, support, and hope for survivors in Marion County. This award affirms that we’re on the right path—and it energizes us to keep growing, listening, and advocating for those who need us most.”
Domestic violence survivors in need of services in Marion County may call 352-722-CASA for assistance or visit the CASA Marion Outreach Office Monday through Friday at 717 SW MLK Jr Avenue in Ocala. Visit CASA Marion online to learn more about the organization’s services.