Jonah
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 hope it doesn't happen to anyone else and people with a disability are protected and stood up for.’
Jonah told the Royal Commission he has ‘high functioning autism’ and describes himself as ‘highly emotional’ and ‘sensitive’.
About 10 years ago, Jonah went to a youth centre where, he told us, he was bullied and physically intimidated.
‘I felt scared for my safety and the staff didn't help me, the bully would often seek me out when I was alone and try and punch me and stabbed me with kebab sticks. The youth worker saw some of the incidents and never helped me. I didn't feel comfortable speaking with the worker about it because it was clear she didn't care.’
On another occasion Jonah spoke to a youth worker about another person spitting at him. The worker told him to ‘stop dobbing’.
‘It has been 10 years since the incidents and I am still affected. I don't feel comfortable around males and find it difficult to trust services,’ Jonah said.
‘If the youth worker helped me when it happened there would be no issues. All they had to do was step in and protect me.’
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.