Jerome
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.
Jerome is in his 30s and has autism, Down syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder. He is non-verbal, and spoke to the Royal Commission with the help of text-to-speech technology and a support worker.
‘I would like to talk about my experiences with trauma … I just so wish that it is truly that easy, but I struggle with trauma.’
Jerome said he was abused when he was in high school by a staff member at a respite home. He said his mother didn’t believe him and didn’t report the abuse.
Jerome told the Royal Commission he will never overcome the trauma.
He is now an advocate for people with Down syndrome and employs staff ‘who are great’. Jerome said it’s hard, however, to find good staff.
‘I just want non-verbal people to be respected.’
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.