Ryann
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.
Ryann is a First Nations woman who is employed as a support worker at a group home.
She told the Royal Commission one of the other support workers, Karine, is racist and bullies staff and residents.
On one occasion, Karine was overheard making racist comments to a person ‘about her Aboriginality’.
Staff complained to the manager but he did nothing.
The manager is Karine’s nephew and Karine ‘just does whatever she wants to do with no repercussions’.
For example, Karine changes the roster whenever she feels like it and she ‘rarely turns up on time’. Karine won’t do the residents’ washing and instead does her own washing onsite. On night shifts, Karine will sleep on the couch. Staff and residents know not to disturb her. ‘One resident won’t even go outside for a smoke through the night.’
Ryann said some staff will take a stand but others don’t feel they can.
‘This is a huge conflict of interest – having a family member manage another family member.’
Ryann said the group home ‘is a very toxic environment’. Karine’s behaviour permits other staff members to behave badly.
‘[One worker] spat in a [resident]’s meal … because she doesn’t like them and then thinks it’s funny.’
The same person yells and screams at residents and when she’s not yelling ignores them – sitting in the office with the door shut.
Ryann told us she has made a complaint to her union and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
‘Something has to be done. This is dangerous for people’s wellbeing and mental health. People are scared to talk to anyone for fear of reprisal and if you think this won’t happen then you are all mistakenly wrong.’
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.