Lotus Marion name and mission unveiled
The organization will serve as a dual certified center for sexual assault and domestic violence.
Sara Lambert of Lotus Marion, right, and other Lotus Marion team members unveil the new Lotus Marion logo as Lt. Clint Smith of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, left, looks on during the Sip, Savor and Support fundraiser for Lotus Marion (formerly the Marion County Sexual Assault Center) at MainStreet Community Bank on North Magnolia Avenue in Ocala, Fla. on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. In addition to the renaming of the sexual assault center, it was also announced that Lotus Marion would be now become the sole dual-certified provider model for domestic violence and sexual assault services, previously provided by Haven of Lake & Sumter Counties. Haven had been playing a crucial role in providing advocacy and support for people affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2026.
A crowd gathered early on the evening of April 29 for a street party in front of Mainstreet Community Bank as community leaders formally announced a new name and expanded mission for one of Marion County’s primary victim services organizations.
The Marion County Sexual Assault Center revealed it will begin providing domestic violence services and operate under a new name: Lotus Marion.
“As of July 1, 2026, we will be the dual certified center for sexual assault and domestic violence in Marion County,” said Betsy Weber, executive director.
The transition follows a coordinated plan in which Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA) Marion will transfer domestic violence services to the local organization by June 30, marking a shift toward locally led care.
Weber said the name change reflects the organization’s broader scope.
“We chose something that really empowers strength and resilience and support,” she said in announcing the new name.
The center, which was founded in 2023 to address a lack of sexual assault services in the county, after Creative Services, Inc., a local nonprofit that had provided services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault for nearly 50 years closed, has already seen significant demand.
“In the past six months, we have provided over 1,300 services, and 93% of our survivors continue to come back,” Weber said.
Data highlights scale of local need
Speakers tied the expansion to persistent levels of domestic violence in Marion County.
Lt. Clint Smith of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said there were about 4,000 victims of domestic violence and sexual assault locally in the past year.
“That number is not just a number. It’s our neighbors, it’s our friends, it’s our family,” Smith said.
State data reflects a similar scale over time. According to Florida Department of Law Enforcement reports, Marion County recorded:
- 3,481 domestic violence offenses in 2018
- 3,373 offenses in 2019
- 3,731 offenses in 2020
The 2020 rate exceeded 1,000 incidents per 100,000 residents, among the higher rates in the state.
Those reports show the majority of cases involve individuals in close relationships, including spouses, family members and cohabitants, underscoring the need for services beyond law enforcement response.
“We cannot arrest our way out of this issue,” Smith said.
Filling a gap in services
State Attorney William Gladson said the expansion addresses a longstanding lack of accessible services in the community.
“We didn’t have that before. We just didn’t have it,” Gladson said. “There were years where we saw a decline in services … to the most vulnerable people, children and women who are victims of domestic violence.”
CASA Marion had expanded into the county in 2024 to fill that gap temporarily and officials said the transition to Lotus Marion is intended to create a sustainable, local model of care.
Funding remains a challenge
As the organization takes on a larger role, leaders said community support will be critical.
Ken Ausley, a board member, said the expanded operation comes with a significant funding need.
“If you look at where we are and where we need to be … we’re about $600,000 a year short of where we need to be,” Ausley said.
He described the effort as a public-private partnership requiring local support.
“The community has to step up and help with funding,” Ausley said, encouraging donations of all sizes.
Officials said the new structure will ensure services remain uninterrupted while expanding access to shelter, advocacy, counseling and prevention programs.
“Your support tonight helps provide advocacy for survivors, shelter for those whose life depend on it, counseling for those rebuilding their lives,” Smith said.
Organizers said the goal is to build a coordinated, community-supported system that addresses both immediate needs and long-term prevention.
Learn more at lotusrecoverymarion.com
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