It’s about accountability
People are being bullied by those supposed to be offering support, services
“What is really scary is that people are being bullied by some staff/or supervisors of agencies who are supposed to be offering supports and services to person who have intellectual disabilities.”
I am writing in regards to the workplace bullying, harassment and subsequent death of Eric Donovan of Hazelbrook, linked to a supervisor of Queen County Residential Services.
On Dec. 2, 2016, the P.E.I. Workers’ Compensation Board issued a decision that found Donovan’s death was related to workplace bullying and harassment while working at Queens County Residential Services.
Queens County Residential Services is a not-for-profit organization that provides services to adults with intellectual disabilities.
In the 2016-2017 fiscal year, the government provided the organization with $4.5 million in funding.
Donovan worked for 17 years at Queen County Residential Services. It enrages me that this death had to occur before it was taken serious by staff/government officials/health agencies. This man’s widow and children now have no father. He’s dead at the age of 47 years. He and his family should not have had to endure this abuse at the hands of this supervisor. As his wife Lisa Donovan stated, it is about accountability and also to speak up for what you believe in.
My family and my daughter, who has intellectual and physical disabilities, have been on the receiving end of this supervisor and agency harassment and bullying. It was brought to the attention of the Disability Support Program and government minister at that time.
What is really scary is that people are being bullied by some staff/or supervisors of agencies who are supposed to be offering supports and services to person who have intellectual disabilities.
The $4.5 million in funding goes from tax payers’ dollars to provide services for vulnerable person.
Who would want to think that this type of thing goes on in this day and age? But it does. I can give examples of what has taken place and how it was covered up what ever happened to do no harm.
Not all agencies or staff does this but for those who have and turned a blind eye they are equally as responsible for bullying and harassment. They should be held accountable for their actions. A word of advice to the board members who now hold a position — do not turn a blind eye . . . investigate, and investigate again. Those who have done wrong by vulnerable persons or staff members, they should not be employed.
I can say from personal experience that Community Connections in Summerside does a wonderful job of putting clients first. As well, as they take care and educate their staff members on on-going skill development.
I would encourage the Donovan family to meet with Premier Wade MacLauchlan to stress the importance of legislation against work place bullying and harassment.