Alani
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.
Alani is in her 30s and has intellectual and psychosocial disability.
In high school, Alani attended a special education unit where two students sexually abused her ‘many times’.
‘They would laugh as they did this,’ Alani told the Royal Commission. ‘I did not tell anyone that this was happening. I feel that the teachers must have known, but they did not pay any attention.’
Alani said the other students knew what was happening.
‘They would say to me, “[The two students] are raping you”.’
Alani is angry the teachers didn’t protect her.
‘I felt that I could not trust anyone. I did not have the confidence to tell the teachers or other staff about the abuse. I did not tell my mum because I was scared that she might not believe me. This was very hard for me.’
Alani eventually told people at a support group for people with intellectual disability, and they helped her report the incidents to police.
‘The police officer was very kind and respectful. He said that due to the sexual assaults happening so long ago there would not be much option for pursuing charges. I was okay with this.’
Alani said she finds it hard to trust people, but she is now ‘living independently for the first time’.
‘I am safe and I am happy. I still have bad days sometimes, but I am doing the best that I can. I am happy that the Disability Royal Commission is going to make changes for people living with disabilities.’
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.