Kristin J. Leandro, director of the diocese’s Safe Environment office announced Jan. 12 the appointment of the new diocesan victim assistance coordinator, the person who provides support and services for adult survivors of child sexual abuse by clergy, religious or church workers.
Lora Daniel, a licensed mental health counselor at Catholic Charities Hawaii, takes the place of Elizabeth Lyons who moved to the Mainland this month.
Daniel is a therapist in Catholic Charities’ Child Sex Abuse Treatment Program and Child Victims of Crime Program. She also works with other families and individuals in need of counseling.
In her memo announcing the new victim assistance coordinator, Leandro thanked Lyons who served in the position for six years “for her hard work and dedication.”
“We look forward to meeting and working with Lora as we move forward,” she said.
According to the website of the Diocese of Honolulu, the victim assistance coordinator provides four services:
- An immediate confidential meeting with the victim to assess personal needs and preferences for treatment.
- Assistance in obtaining the services of qualified mental health professionals in the area of sexual abuse victimization.
- Assistance in presenting the victim’s report to the Diocese of Honolulu and arranging meetings with diocesan officials so that they can take action.
- The coordination of support services and resources to help the victim maintain a level of emotional well-being, while maintaining contact with the victim throughout the healing process.
Victims are encouraged to contact Daniel directly by email, lora.honjo@catholiccharitieshawaii.org, or by phone on Oahu at 527-4604.