Adrianna
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 want the Royal Commission to know about my story because I’m sure there are other people out there who are being exploited by the people who are meant to be caring for them.’
Adrianna is in her 50s, has myotonic dystrophy and a history of trauma. She told the Royal Commission that a few years ago she was ‘swindled financially’ by Cress, a freelance support worker.
Initially Adrianna employed Cress to do some house and maintenance work. Although Cress wasn’t registered with the NDIS, when Adrianna needed more personal support she offered Cress the job. She said she finds it difficult to trust people and felt ‘the trust was already established’.
A short time later Adrianna had a car accident and needed a car, but didn’t have much money. Cress offered to sell Adrianna her car for $10,000. Adrianna signed the transfer of ownership forms and transferred the money to Cress.
A month later Cress wanted the car back. She hadn’t signed the forms and legally still owned the car. Adrianna told Cress if she wanted the car she needed to return the money. Cress said she didn’t have the money but offered to work in an unpaid capacity until the money was repaid. Adrianna agreed.
After a while Cress stopped turning up for shifts and Adrianna realised it would take Cress years to repay what she owed. They decided to end the working relationship and Cress agreed to a weekly repayment plan.
However, a month later Cress stopped making payments. When Adrianna contacted her she said she was homeless and living in her car. She refused to pay any more money – she still owed $8000.
Adrianna contacted the police who told her it was a civil matter. ‘This experience has caused me a lot of frustration, anger and upset ... I don’t know where to turn.’
Adrianna has decided to use only NDIS registered support workers in future.
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.