Emilio
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.
Emilio told the Royal Commission about his experience as a support worker in a group home in regional Australia.
Once, Emilio witnessed a staff member assaulting a resident. Emilio tried to defuse the situation and begged the support worker to stop. The ordeal continued for approximately five minutes until the resident was left bruised, battered, completely subdued and in a state of shock.
Emilio provided a witness account for the investigation that followed. But he says the investigation was a sham. He believes the house manager, who gave evidence despite not witnessing the incident, lied. The abusive staff member left the workplace and moved to another state to avoid reprimand.
In another incident, a staff member was stealing money from clients’ money boxes, and food meant for the home’s residents. Emilio reported this to his manager, however no disciplinary action was taken and the worker kept his job at the home.
Emilio says systemic abuse towards the most vulnerable in our community has become part of the accepted culture. And a workforce made up of mainly casual labour prevents hardworking staff from speaking out for fear of losing their employment.
Emilio says improved support worker training and rotating staff rosters will lead to higher quality of care for residents, and ensure the proper qualifications for people working in the disability sector.
The former support worker also recommends cameras be installed in residents’ rooms. He says this may be controversial, but would help ensure staff act with transparency and professionalism.
Emilio now works at TAFE, teaching students to become certified disability support workers.
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.