Carter
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.
Carter is in his 60s and has a disability. Up until recently he was cared for by his brother who abused him financially, physically and verbally.
Carter says there was ‘verbal abuse, swearing, screaming, and being put down all the time’. He mostly stayed in his room while his brother was home, too scared to come out.
‘My brother would often bring other friends into the home, which made me feel even more unsafe as they were using illegal substances.’
Financial exploitation was a constant.
‘State trustees were aware of the financial abuse and tried to protect my monies where they could, but sometimes it was easier to pay the bills, as my brother became violent when I refused.’
Since Carter moved out of the shared accommodation with his brother, his life has improved. He has an advocate and NDIS support.
Carter said he is ‘very much enjoying living out of home and being independent’, but he has experienced anxiety and fear about his brother who is ‘very angry he has lost his carer’s pension, along with access to some of my funds’.
‘My concerns are subsiding now as I have lived here now for three months. I still have some fear of what my brother could do, but I do not want to live in fear anymore.’
Carter told the Royal Commission he would like to see more services available to family members who are receiving carer payments − services such as counselling, alcohol and drug services and other professional supports to support both the carers and the persons with disability.
Carter would also like to see more accountability for those receiving funds in their role as carers, including monitoring to ensure that services being paid for are being provided.
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.