Kylie and Julia
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.
‘A sexual assault was perpetrated against Kylie whilst in respite. In the period following the assault she would scream and cry and had nasty bruising between her legs. The incident took a long time to get over and Kylie would cry in my arms.’
Julia told the Royal Commission this difficult story about her daughter, Kylie, from 30 years ago. Kylie is blind, non-verbal and has an intellectual disability. Julia says Kylie has continued to experience violence and abuse in various accommodations throughout her adult life.
In the 1990s Kylie moved into a disability group home. One of the residents was violent towards the others and ‘would hit Kylie and leave bruising all over her’.
‘After a few years and much work on my part, the offending resident was moved out,’ Julia said.
Then a young man joined the home.
‘This poor young man was much more violent than the young female resident who had preceded him. He loved to pull Kylie’s hair – at times it would come out by the roots; he would also attack me.’
Kylie was effectively confined to her room for her safety. Again Julia had to fight to have the young man moved somewhere safer.
In the 2000s the family moved interstate and Kylie lived with Julia for several years. Kylie experienced abuse and neglect again during a period in respite care.
At one institution staff placed Kylie in a corner all day. They had been told she didn’t understand much.
‘Anyone who knows my daughter will tell you how switched on she is,’ says Julia, ‘so for the above to occur is shameful.’ Kylie would often come home with bruising on her body. ‘And of course the official line was “no-one knew how they got there”’.
At her next respite care place more bruising occurred. This time managers were able to work out who the offending staff member was, but they argued there wasn’t enough proof to take the matter further because Kylie could not speak.
For the last 10 years or so Kylie has been living in a disability support home. ‘Again, there have been violent residents in the house and lots of upsets,’ Julia said. Kylie has often been frightened.
Recently bruises started appearing on Kylie’s arms again. Julia was able to guess which staff member was responsible.
‘While visiting Kylie, I asked her to push her ‘yes’ communication device when I said the name of the person who was hurting her. I named a few people and when I named the perpetrator Kylie nodded her head and hit the “yes” button about 3 times. Again, this was seen as not having enough proof because she “can’t talk”. This is so wrong!’
Kylie says more support is needed for clients who are non-verbal trying to make complaints.
‘Kylie has lived with emotional and verbal violence for many years and it needs to stop for her and others.’
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.