Kaden
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.
‘I hope people in positions of power take extra care to operate fairly and respectfully so all members of the community, particularly those vulnerable, can go about their day without feeling anxious.’
Kaden told the Royal Commission about an incident with the police on public transport. Not long ago, he was on a train sitting in the priority seating section and accidentally fell asleep.
A protective services officer (PSO) shouted at him to wake him. Kaden woke and saw the PSO had a gun in his hand. He was frightened.
The PSO called Kaden a ‘dirty bastard’. He said, ‘Get out of that seat you dirty bastard, you haven’t got a ticket. We are going to put you in prison’.
After calling Kaden a bastard several more times the PSO finished yelling and walked away.
Kaden saw the PSO’s partner waiting outside the carriage. His partner did not get involved.
Had the PSO asked him, Kaden would have produced his ticket.
The incident left him traumatised.
The PSO’s attack on Kaden was witnessed by a number of people. Two train conductors reported it and gave Kaden their details. A train buffet employee told Kayden they made a complaint to head office. Three other passengers also witnessed the incident.
All of the witnesses were shocked and upset by what had happened.
The police investigated the incident but Kaden isn’t sure if they interviewed all the witnesses.
After the investigation was complete police contacted him and told him the PSO was back at work ‘but had had some counselling’.
The police offered an apology but Kaden said, ‘I was not interested as it would do little to make up for, or prevent further abuses’.
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.