2:45 pm – 4:00 pm – Plenary – Forty Years Later: Is the Criminalization of Domestic Violence Working?
“To understand with your heart is Aloha.” Dr. Dayna Schultz, Psy. D., LSW, CSAC (Kanaka ʻŌiwi) is the Executive Director of Pouhana O Nā Wāhine. Throughout her career, Dr. Schultz has worked with various individuals from diverse backgrounds here in the islands and on the Continent. She has been blessed to begin her career working with fellow survivors of domestic violence, while continuing her education, which provided opportunities to work in the prison system, provide crisis support to the community, worked with women and children struggling with the challenges that accompany substance addiction, and managed the Hawaiʻi CARES Crisis/SUD line during the Covid-19 Pandemic, which proved to be a very challenging, yet rewarding experience as she recalls seeing people pull together to kokua and live the values of ALOHA. As a Native Hawaiian Survivor of various traumas, Dayna continues to be guided by her naʻau and ancestors daily in efforts of working toward ending violence from and within her people that will lead to peace, harmony, and a sense of Aloha all ways, always.
Dayna believes that everyone has a story to tell and possesses the ability to change their narrative as they grow. She welcomes individuals to share their stories with her in a safe space and at their own pace. She provides a sense of warmth, compassion, and Aloha that fosters a “Kākou” (together) effort to remind each individual that she will be walking with them on their healing journey. As a Native Hawaiian Survivor of various traumas, Dayna continues to be guided by her naʻau and ancestors daily in efforts of working toward ending violence from and within her people that will lead to peace, harmony, and a sense of Aloha all ways, always.