This month, the Marion County Hospital District (MCHD) is proud to recognize Lotus Marion, Marion County’s newly dual-certified center for sexual assault and domestic or intimate partner violence services. Formerly known as the Marion County Sexual Assault Center, Lotus Marion officially expanded its mission in 2026 to become the sole provider of both services in Marion County, filling a critical gap in local victim services and ensuring survivors have access to compassionate, locally led care.
The organization’s new name reflects its core values of strength, resilience, and support. As of July 1, 2026, Lotus Marion serves as the county’s dual-certified center, offering a coordinated, community-supported model of care designed to meet survivors where they are.
Serving Survivors: What Lotus Marion Does
The need for these services in Marion County is significant. According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, approximately 4,000 residents were victims of domestic violence or sexual assault in the past year alone. State data shows Marion County has consistently recorded among the higher domestic violence offense rates in Florida, exceeding 1,000 incidents per 100,000 residents in recent years.
Lotus Marion exists to meet that need with dignity and urgency. The organization provides a full range of no-cost services to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, including:
- 24/7 sexual assault crisis hotline: 352-633-5563
- Crisis intervention and advocacy
- Accompaniment and legal system navigation
- On-site counseling and therapy services
- Information and referrals for victim support services
- Shelter access and advocacy for domestic violence survivors
- Community education, awareness, and prevention programming
In just the first six months of operation, Lotus Marion provided over 1,300 services, with 93% of survivors continuing to return for ongoing support.
How MCHD’s Investment Makes a Difference
The Marion County Hospital District provides Lotus Marion with two office locations at no cost, a partnership that directly strengthens the organization’s ability to serve survivors across the county.
One location is at Beacon Point, MCHD’s integrated care campus, where Lotus Marion staff provide domestic violence outreach and advocacy services. The second is at 1121 SW 1st Ave. in Ocala, where sexual assault services are delivered in a private, discreet setting designed to make survivors feel safe.
By providing office space at no charge, MCHD frees up critical funding that Lotus Marion can direct toward direct services for survivors. In an organization that leaders say needs approximately $600,000 in additional annual funding to fully meet community needs, every dollar that does not go toward overhead is a dollar that can go toward a survivor in crisis.
This is exactly the kind of strategic community investment MCHD is committed to: identifying organizations doing essential work and removing barriers so they can do more of it.
Community Partners and Awareness
Lotus Marion’s work is strengthened by a network of community partners including the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office, and other local agencies committed to a coordinated community response to domestic violence and sexual assault.
The organization also prioritizes community education and prevention, bringing awareness programming and outreach directly to Marion County residents. By addressing sexual violence and domestic violence not just through direct services but through education, Lotus Marion works to prevent harm before it happens and to ensure that survivors know help is available when they need it.
A Partnership Rooted in Purpose
MCHD is proud to stand alongside Lotus Marion as the organization grows into its expanded role. Survivors in Marion County deserve a safe place to heal, access to the legal and counseling support they need, and a community that shows up for them. Lotus Marion is building that, and MCHD is honored to be part of it.
To learn more about Lotus Marion and how you can support their work, visit marionsexualassaultcenter.org or call the 24/7 hotline at 352-633-5563.
