Emmitt
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'm alone … with no family, no relations and know very few people.’
Emmitt left school at 16 and described his education as ‘poor’. He has been in Australia for more than a decade. Four years ago Emmitt was diagnosed with schizophrenia, but said he ‘never accepted this’.
He has been trying to get a second opinion but has been unsuccessful. He told the Royal Commission he has ‘been abused by [the hospital]’s mental health unit’.
Emmitt believes the diagnosis has left him vulnerable to financial exploitation and a ‘huge amount of financial fraud’. His ex-wife left him with unpaid bills and continues to generate debt in his name.
He made several complaints to the police, at different locations, but they refused to take action. Emmitt’s ex-wife is friends with several police officers and he thinks this is the reason he is unable to get a fair hearing.
‘Because of the bills and her horrific crimes … [I] am in fear of my health my safety.’
Emmitt said the few people he knows do not want to get involved with his issues with the police and it is difficult to find someone to help him.
He contacted a solicitor he found on the internet because their website said they ‘support vulnerable people with disabilities’.
Although Emmitt works and has money to pay, the solicitor didn’t seem to want to help him. Emmitt has ‘responded back … begging for help’.
‘I am really nervous … who I can call for HELP next if [the solicitor] doesn't want to help me.’
He has contacted the police in his country of birth and forwarded the documents he believes prove the financial fraud to them because he believes he has lost his voice in Australia.
‘I am truly lost for words to describe what has happened to me and still is happening. My story will shock everyone in Australia.’
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.