Haylie and Isabell
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 am begging you to … protect my child from being harmed again … please.’
Isabell fears her daughter Haylie isn’t safe in her home.
Haylie is in her late 30s and lives in a group home. She has cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy and uses a wheelchair.
Isabell told the Royal Commission another resident in the home, Jan, has a history of approaching Haylie from behind and attacking her.
Isabell was not aware of how terrible the situation was for her until Haylie went to hospital. Management had told Isabell that Haylie’s severe bruises and bites were self-inflicted. However the hospital told her this wasn’t possible.
‘I cannot forgive myself for this … This is why I am angry because things were kept from me,’ Isabell says.
Haylie developed severe anxiety and other behaviours as a result of the violence she experienced.
Police visited the home several times and Isabelle tried to resolve the situation through the courts.
When this was unsuccessful she contacted the regulatory body. Management then engaged a ‘trouble shooter’ who recommended dividing the house into two, which they did. Jan moved to a self-contained unit at the back of the house and staff made sure she was separated from the rest of the house.
Isabell says for a time ‘the house has been happy and safe for everyone’.
However there have been major staff changes. The new house supervisor has decided to let Jan back into the main area of the house.
Isabell doesn’t know why management want to do this when they know Jan has attacked Haylie and other residents and staff. ‘The attacks will start again.’
Isabell tried to find another house for Haylie but says ‘because of my child’s behaviours now, she would not be suitable for another house’.
She wants management to reconsider their decision. ‘I would hope [management] would stick by their word and keep my child safe from abuse.’
But Isabell remains fearful. ‘I have no trust in [management] but I also don’t have any other choice,’ she says.
‘I cannot let my daughter go through what she went through before ... this must not be allowed to happen again ... please help.’
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.