For the most part, whenever society hears the words ” emotional abuse” being uttered the most popular reaction seems to be that it more than likely relates to what has been going on in some sort of relationship. However, I am going to try and paint another perspective.
My perspective has probably always been quietly simmering on the back burner at the back of my mind just waiting for me to bring it to a boil and I am afraid that for me it is now.
The other day a friend mused to me in pure frustration that maybe and just maybe it would be better for persons with disabilities to choose the path of having our rights violated as opposed to subjecting ourselves to continuous emotional abuse due to complaints systems and processes that are highly stacked in favor of respondents.
These words coming from someone who generally has a positive attitude really resonated with me and hence this editorial. I respectfully submit that I sadly agree with this comment.
As it stands today; our Federal Government continues to allow certain of its departments to use complaints systems and processes that are for the most part broken, inaccessible and unusable to persons with disabilities, and ones where respondents with deep pockets are being allowed to bully, intimidate, and force complainants to give up the fight.
In addition, these departments are perceived to be nothing more than paper tigers with no authority to do anything but listen and dismiss. In short, their roles are perceived to be nothing but ceremonial.
Just imagine this! Many complaints take years to be resolved. Respondents with deep pockets are allowed to drag out complaints instead of being mandated to address them.
Complainants complain, respondents take departments to court and drag complainants along for the ride instead of adhering to decisions handed down by said department if they do not like the decision.
Online forms are inaccessible. Websites are also inaccessible and unusable. Staff often lack awareness skills. Tribunals and panels are often void of persons with a disability, women, and persons of ethnic backgrounds.
This is a very sad and unhealthy picture and it is no wonder that many of us out here honestly feel that this all leads to emotional abuse. If one does not know how to navigate the system, they might as well give up before they start. If they do not either possess the necessary will and expertise or have access to someone with the necessary expertise, then they might as well give up instead of subjecting themselves to emotional abuse.
In short, persons with disabilities are practically on their own out here without much support and/or protection from respondents with deep pockets. This is what I humbly call emotional abuse.
Just my two cents for today.