Kaylani
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.
Kaylani, mid-40s, was sexually abused as a child and again as a young adult.
She has complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and experiences periods of dissociation. She also has a spinal injury and is severely allergic to multiple medications.
Kaylani told the Royal Commission that when she goes to hospital her ‘chronic physical conditions’ are rarely ‘addressed or recognised’. Doctors tell her it’s her PTSD ‘over and above anything else’ and she’s ‘streamed into mental health’.
Over the past three years Kaylani has gone to hospital because of allergies.
‘They see my PTSD and harass me about panic attacks and my mental health and disbelieve [me].’
Recently, Kaylani spent half an hour trying to convince doctors she was ‘having an allergic reaction’ and was ‘not crazy’.
Despite being aware of Kalani’s PTSD, medical staff often make decisions that retraumatise her. They have ‘happily stuck [her] in wards’ with patients who ‘weren't in control of themselves’.
Not so long ago, Kaylani was admitted to a mixed ward. Within five minutes, a male patient was ‘screaming at [her]’ while her breasts were exposed.
Staff moved her to a different bed around the corner. The man in the next bed ‘exposed his genitalia’ and ‘masturbated’.
Kaylani made a complaint but the hospital ‘wanted to sweep it under the rug’. Ultimately, they said they weren’t responsible.
‘I wasn’t supported. I was just harassed to make a statement to the police.’
The next time Kaylani went to hospital she insisted she be admitted to a female-only ward.
Kaylani wants doctors to take her physical symptoms seriously.
‘I'm actually concerned I will end up back in the mental health [ward] for having an allergic reaction and drop dead.’
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.