Tam and Sevyn
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.
Tam is in primary school and lives with an anxiety disorder.
His mother, Sevyn, told the Royal Commission that Tam’s mental health started to deteriorate a few years ago, after he changed schools. He has become so unhappy that recently, during a meltdown, he told his parents he didn’t want to live anymore.
Sevyn said Tam is bullied at the new school, and the school punishes him for reacting.
‘The school continues to address my son’s behaviours and puts strategies in place to manage [his] behaviour whilst continuing to ignore the reasons for [his] behaviours, including constant name calling and incidents of physical violence.’
One day, Tam ‘had words’ with his teacher. The school told Sevyn that Tam wasn’t allowed back in that classroom. He had to go to a new class the following day.
‘As parents this gave us only a few hours before bed to try and prepare him for this change. He did not want to move classes as [he] was afraid.’
It took hours the next morning for his parents to get Tam to go to school.
‘We arrive at school and [the] teacher shows no empathy or understanding of what this process looked like for our son.’
The teacher told Sevyn, in front of Tam, that her son was lying about the previous day’s incident. Tam then had a ‘full-blown meltdown’ and refused to go to the new class.
Sevyn said supporting her son was difficult enough at home, where getting him to brush his teeth was ‘a huge challenge’. She now spent much of her time in ‘school battles’ to make sure he had access to education in ‘an environment that meets his needs’.
‘Myself and husband are well-educated and in good jobs and this process has, and continues to be, a huge struggle for our own mental health and wellbeing. I don’t know what this must be like for those who don’t have these skills or confidence to fight for their loved ones.’
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.