Vina
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
Vina told the Royal Commission she is upset about the government response to the COVID pandemic in relation to people with disability and their carers. She says ‘all pensioners and carers are being subject to neglect by the federal government for not providing [them] with the COVID supplement’.
Vina lives with post-traumatic stress disorder and experiences anxiety and depression. She also has low immunity and osteoporosis.
‘As I am immunocompromised my doctor has advised me to stay at home at the moment. My husband is my full-time carer, he suffers from asthma and is prone to … pneumonia so the doctor has also advised him to stay at home … Now we are having to buy what we can online and paying for deliveries. Our expenses have increased considerably but we have only received the 2 x $750 bonus which is, of course, long gone.’
With finances tight, Vina has started to cut down on her medications.
‘I have been stretching four weeks’ worth of medications out to six weeks. In July I skipped my osteoporosis medication as I didn't consider it to be "vital" and the chemist sent me a text message about its lack of purchase, informing me that I had to take it and to quickly go to my doctor.’
Vina says she hopes one day ‘to be able to be happy, to smile, perhaps even enjoy life’.
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.