Bertrand
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.
‘There were people in my life and other’s lives who were meant to protect us and who failed.’
Bertrand is in his 50s and has level 1 autism. He has a couple of tertiary qualifications, works part time, receives a disability pension and enjoys his independence. Reflecting on his life experiences, however, he told the Royal Commission about the ‘negative treatment’ at school and in the workplace that have left him with ‘emotional damage’.
Bertrand told us about the ‘intense’ bullying he received at school from other students, which ran from name-calling and verbal abuse to physical abuse. It began in primary school and escalated in high school. It was so bad, Bertrand says, that sometimes he ‘would vomit from the feeling of going to school’.
Bertrand can forgive the kids.
‘School kids can be idiots and don’t know things,’ he said. ‘It’s harder to forgive the adults.’
Bertrand said teachers were often aware of the abuse by other students but did nothing. Sometimes, the teachers did the bullying.
For example, said Bertrand, ‘In year 8 my sports teacher used to constantly make fun of me to the point I was too scared to go to PE.’
Similarly, he ‘dreaded’ going to choir practice because the choirmaster would insult him and routinely kick him out for things like ‘moving his head’ or ‘not paying attention’.
Bertrand and his parents made complaints to the school, but the typical response was ‘boys will be boys’ and that Bertrand should become ‘more resourceful’. One teacher even said it was Bertrand’s fault because he was always ‘being different’ – he should ‘try to fit in, instead of insisting upon tolerance’.
Bertrand also experienced bullying and discrimination in the workplace. At one stage he was working in a government department. Colleagues would insult him and imitate his behaviours. Eventually Bertrand’s boss told him his work was not up to standard – the implication was that his colleagues were justified in bullying him.
‘All people with disability can experience issues,’ Bertrand told us, ‘but the problems can be compounded where it is an invisible disability … people with invisible disabilities are often thought to be morons’.
These days Bertrand’s ‘self-worth is much more than previously’. He said he dealt with his experiences through his religious faith, but he understand why some people become desperate.
‘Society has a poor record of looking after people with disability.’
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.