Meet AHEC’s new Crisisline counselor

Molokai Girl Kazan Dela Cruz is available to provide help, emotional and instructional support, or just to talk story.

“On Molokai, it’s hush-hush. Nobody likes to talk about it,” says Kazan Dela Cruz from her office in Kaunakakai. “I am here for any victim or potential victim on Molokai. There’s no issue too small to talk about.”

Kazan, who grew up on Molokai- and graduated from Molokai High School in 1987 and has since completed courses in group counseling at MCC- has six years experience working with Molokai Alternatives to Violence, and is passionate about helping people.

“There is a certain taboo about bringing sexual violence up with other people. But people can call (the crisis line) for any reason. If they feel threatened, if they have a friend who feels threatened and want to give them advice, or just to talk story- anything. Anything people tell me is completely confidential; I am here to listen and lend strength. (Callers) don’t need to name names, and won’t be forced to take any action they are not comfortable with.”

Kazan says people can stop her in town if they wish to talk if they are more comfortable talking in person than over the phone.

Sexual abuse is being forced or persuaded into sexual acts or situations by others. It includes being encouraged to look at pornography, being harassed by sexual suggestions or comments and being touched sexually or forced to have sex.

Maui County Area Health Education Center (AHEC) has been running Crisisline since February and, according to coordinator Rosie Davis, the organization is overjoyed to have someone with Kazan’s experience and compassion available at any time.

In addition to being available for victim support, Kazan is able to run training sessions for employers, schools, or other groups. Call the crisis line, 553-5907, for a training session or any other, more personal reason.