In 2010, a domestic violence and sexual assault shelter in Ocala received more than 4,000 calls from women beaten by their husbands or boyfriends.
Because of the economy, the shelter is struggling, having to turn women away.
In 1986, the Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault Center was not able to house four women, who were later murdered by their abusive significant others.
In a secure and secret setting, the shelter provides everything for the abused women and their children- from shampoo to laundry detergent for up to 15 weeks. The center needs a base of $11,000 of private donations a month. The shelter is funded by state, federal, and private donations. In recent months revenue has decreased dramatically.
The 60-bed shelter is currently full and without the necessary funds to add more beds.
Aside from a safe place to stay, the shelter also provides counseling, assistance, referral to legal services, safety planning, medical aid, a person to travel with the abused to court, as well as children's counseling. A 24-hour confidential helpline is also serviced by the shelter at 352-622-8495. Visit ocaladvshelter.org for more information.
The center also helps victims of sexual assaults, with trained medical staff at the facility.