Karter
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.
When Karter was in primary school he had a serious playground accident.
Following the accident Karter had memory loss and trouble concentrating, and he now knows he had an acquired brain injury. He told the Royal Commission he was never treated for these issues, nor was any record made of his injuries or disability.
Then at the end of primary school he was hit by a car and sustained further injuries that also had long-term effects.
Still Karter received no treatment and his wellbeing deteriorated.
A few years later, Karter spent time in a juvenile detention facility. During this time he became psychotic. ‘I suffered a nervous breakdown and as a result I was sedated … for over three months.’
There was no mental health facility for children or teenagers so Karter was placed in an adult facility. He was always worrying about his safety.
‘I felt scared and vulnerable around these people. I do not believe that sedating me was the correct treatment as I would wake up feeling very light headed with severe anxiety. I felt violated and noticed things were not right about my body. I could never be sure if anything inappropriate happened to me.’
To make matters worse Karter’s parents pushed him out of the family. They even told some people he had died. ‘I felt neglected and alone,’ he told us.
When Karter was in his early 20s he was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
He wishes he’d received appropriate support in an age-appropriate facility when he was a child and teenager.
‘I hope that this has changed now so that children do not have to be placed in the adult system.’
Karter is now in his 30s and determined to make the right choices in life. ‘I want to be responsible for my actions and have good values. I wish the same for other people as well.’
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.