Noelle
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.
Noelle identifies as a transgender woman. She has a mental health condition and post-traumatic stress disorder. She told the Royal Commission she has been denied parental rights because she has a disability.
A few years ago, Noelle and her wife had a baby girl. Shortly after the birth they were called in to see the midwife, who asked if either of them had a cognitive impairment. Noelle responded that she had a report stating she did.
The midwife said that in that case there was no option but to get the department of health involved.
‘They provided no help to myself or my partner they just said you can't be parents you failed assessment. I asked about education courses [and] they said you have a disability and it would be no use teaching you.’
Noelle and her partner are still trying to get their daughter back.
Noelle hopes that in the future government bodies can be trusted and will help parents with disability.
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.