Pieter
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.
Pieter is in his 60s. He has diabetes and, as a result of a workplace accident nearly a decade ago, a physical disability. He has a metal implant in his spine, uses a walking stick and receives the Disability Support Pension.
‘If I raise my voice a lot [and] seem to be a little bit abrupt, I apologise. It’s because I’m in a lot of aggravated pain,’ Pieter told the Royal Commission.
A couple of years ago, a neighbour verbally abused and threatened him. Pieter said he’s worried about his safety.
Once during an incident with the neighbour, police arrived. Pieter said they took away his walking stick, ‘brought [him] to the ground’, handcuffed him and ‘dragged [him] by the elbows across the carpark in front of everybody’.
‘They humiliated me. Hurt me is the worse part of it. And then when we got to the back of the van, I said, “Listen, uncuff me and I’ll get into the van on my own recognisance. As I explained to you, my back is hurt. I’ve got a metal implant. I’m hurting all the time. Don’t force me in.” No, three heroes threw me in.’
He’s made several complaints, but says the police haven’t responded.
‘They’re not even bothering to answer the online complaint, the feedback form that I lodged, 22 emails, and so many phone calls, and they’ve gone to ground.’
Pieter now fears the police are following him.
‘Everything that’s happened just ruined my life. I, you know, I don’t know what to do.’
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.