MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Every 68 seconds someone is sexually assaulted in America. 

It’s a national problem and Florida is not immune. 

According to the state Department of Health, Marion County has one of the highest rates of sexual assault in Florida. 

To help those who have been traumatized, the Marion County Sexual Assault Center (MCSAC) opened earlier this year at 1121 SW 1st Ave. in Ocala. 

“The Marion County Sexual Assault Center is a safe place for anyone that has endured the heinous crime of sexual assault,” stated MCSAC Board President Kali Stauss-Lourenco. “Our goal is to guide victims through their time of need and help make them survivors.” 

Stauss-Lourenco says it takes a huge team with even bigger hearts to sustain an organization like this. 

“We want people to know that we are here for anybody – victims and survivors who need it,” said LeeAnn Steiner, a board member who volunteers at the center.  

While the physical wounds of sexual assault may heal, Steiner says the psychological injury can last a lifetime.  “We like to steer towards the word survivor because it is something that they survived and that they’ll be surviving potentially forever.”  

The center offers a comprehensive range of support services for FREE including: 

  • 24/7 Crisis Hotline: Offering immediate support and connection to resources. Call (352) 633-5563. 
  • Forensic Exams (SANE): Performed by specially trained nurses to collect evidence for potential legal action. 
  • Counseling: Individual and group therapy sessions to help survivors cope with the emotional trauma of sexual assault. 
  • Resource Navigation: Connecting survivors with additional services, such as housing assistance or relocation aid. 

In order to provide the services for free, the nonprofit center receives funding through the Marion County Hospital District and grants from the United Way. It also relies heavily on generous donations from the community. 

MCSAC is one of more than 100 nonprofits participating in this year’s Give4Marion campaign which takes place September 17-18. 

Steiner hopes to raise enough money to expand services during the fundraiser. You can donate as little as $10 which Steiner says provides an emergency toiletry bag for a survivor. 

A $38 donation covers the cost of the necessary supplies for a forensics exam, or a $100 donation provides an hour of therapy for a survivor.  

“We have to stand together, we have to stand up for the people who think they don’t have a voice,” Steiner said. “In that one moment, where everything was taken from them, it’s not, they now have more power, because they have us behind them,” said Steiner. 

The center welcomes volunteers to join their mission. Visit the MCSAC website to learn more.