Guy
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.
Guy is in his mid-30s and has a neurological disorder that damages nerves in the feet, legs, hands and arms. He also has an anxiety disorder.
‘Growing up I enjoyed bushwalking and going out,’ he told the Royal Commission. ‘While in my 20s, my mental health issues did not stop me from working. My physical issues affected me, though.’
Guy said that as his mental health deteriorated, he had to give up work. Then he became homeless.
‘Each time I have been homeless I have had to start my life all over again … I had no idea I could access support services or was even eligible for certain services. I was not advised on how I could get support.’
The last time he was homeless, a charity helped him access support services and apply for NDIS funding to treat his physical disability.
‘I have always wanted to work, and I have excellent skills including problem solving skills. I am a smart person, but I found myself falling through the cracks.’
Guy said that, having been homeless twice, he’s now anxious every time he leaves the house.
‘The thoughts I have is, what if someone broke into my house or what if I find myself homeless again?’
Guy now lives in public housing. During a COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, his neighbour began playing ‘extremely loud and booming/thumping music’ during the day.
‘The music was also being played at night between 10 pm and 1 am and sometimes even at 5 am. It affected my sleep and forced me to move rooms to avoid the noise, but I could still hear the noise.’
When Guy complained about the noise, the housing manager told him he couldn’t do much about the noise because ‘that is how it is with public housing’.
‘I love being in my home and this was such a frustrating obstacle and there was no-one to help me, especially having come a long way to finally getting a home.’
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.