Ronald
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.
More than 10 years ago, Ronald’s foot and ankle were crushed in a terrible accident, leaving him unable to walk or work. Alongside his injuries, he experiences anxiety, depression and complex post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ronald told the Royal Commission about the abuse and neglect he has experienced within the health system since he sustained his injuries.
‘There is far too much to document. I have too much paperwork to list.’
Ronald’s experiences in the health system have been mostly negative. Some specialists even laughed at him.
‘To me this was simply soul destroying and heartbreaking.’
Ronald filed multiple reports with relevant state health authorities, private and public agencies and ministers’ offices, but says he ‘was simply fobbed off’. ‘Nobody would acknowledge the amount of unnecessary abusive trauma, neglect and discrimination I was exposed to.’
‘Mental health doctors must listen to the patient, and the same with the orthopaedic doctors,’ Ronald said. ‘Not laugh at the patient as they did with 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.