Discrimination + Abuse

Abuse by Argyle Housing takes many Forms

Systemic abuse

Systemic abuse (also called institutional abuse) refers to
rules, regulations, policies, or social practices that harm or discriminate
against any person.

Systemic abuse includes rules that are developed for an
apparently neutral purpose, but that hurt the person. Examples include using
physical restraints as an easy way to prevent falls; or simply to save time or
effort. Sometimes staff shortages or burnout can lead to systemic neglect.

Systematic
Abuse

This is the attempt to destroy the will, needs, desires, or
perceptions of the survivor, which is tantamount to destroying the  self.  It is a denial of the legitimacy, rightness, and sanity of
the will, needs, desires and perceptions in a methodical manner.

Invalidation,
gaslighting, unfounded rumours, isolation,
intimidation and discouragement are frequent, and it is commonly
associated with narcissism in the
aggressor. It is often focused on particular areas, and not overt or
complete control.

It
is ultimately the goal, not the tactics that defines abuse. Some behaviours are
in and of themselves abusive, but some ‘nice’ behaviours are part of a pattern
of abuse, if the intent is to control. 

Argyle Housing Abuse Quiz:

Cross out terms that don’t apply!

1.                  
Having no individual mailboxes and forcing us to
ask for our mail at Reception is:

Systemic/Systematic
Abuse and Infanitlising/Controlling/Deprivation of Liberty

2.           Forgetting
our names week to week when we collect our mail is:

Systemic/Systematic
Abuse and Uncaring/dehumanising/disrespectful

3.           Shoving “breach
letter” or other demands under resident’s bedroom doors without trying phone or
email contact is:

Systemic Abuse/Systematic
Abuse/Invasion of privacy/Against the law/breaches tenant’s right to peaceful
enjoyment/generally abusive

4.           Losing our mail is:

Uncaring/Systemic Abuse/Systematic
Abuse/Illegal/Mail Tampering

4.           Accounting system errors, denying them and
not paying resident workers is:

Financial/Systemic /Systematic
Abuse and gaslighting/Illegal/modern slavery

 

 

Life Hack 1.1 – Paper Towel from the Bog Roll

 

Supplies:

• • 1 Bracket

• • 1 small piece of wood

• • 3 screws (no, no the security guards from Lockdown)

Life Hack 2.2 – Administration Survival

Supplies: Just your mobile phone

Administration staff have a bad habit of saying things they later deny.

Like having a block fumigated, or promising to pay for work done etc.

1. 1. Take an advocate or two along with you.

1. 1. Record your conversation with your phone.

Staff may tell you to turn it off, or walk out.

You have a right to record interactions, and in fact have a right to see any notes made by staff, or anything else in your file.

Part of Argyle Housing’s public charter is accountability and responsibility, and there is no reason for them to not be open about their communications with us, if they are acting honestly and in good faith.