Trudi
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.
Trudi, a First Nations woman, wrote to the Royal Commission regarding the safety and accessibility issues she and co-residents are struggling with at their shared home, which was acquired through a service provider.
‘I don't usually rock the boat or complain,’ Trudi says. But she has been driven to take action because she is afraid the home is unsafe for her and the six other residents, all over 65 years.
Trudi says ‘nil to very small amounts of funds are used for renovations, heating and upgrade of accommodation’. Stairs and a lack of handrails are ‘high risk factors’ to the residents, and she reports that they have had to live with a leaking roof, lack of heating and other unacceptable conditions.
Trudi says that when they have complained to the real-estate agent, the agent has threatened to force them out.
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.