CORRECTIONS VICTORIA
OPERATING AS;
hmps
H.M.PRISON SERVICE
VICTORIA
AS A WISE MAN ONCE WROTE;
I SEEK ONLY YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND YOUR EMPATHY,
I DO NOT WANT, NOR DO I NEED YOUR PITY OR YOUR SYMPATHY.
When your life is in a crisis, you find out who your true friends are.
They will stand by you through it all, and still be there for you after the dust settles.
I SEEK ONLY YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND YOUR EMPATHY,
I DO NOT WANT, NOR DO I NEED YOUR PITY OR YOUR SYMPATHY.
When your life is in a crisis, you find out who your true friends are.
They will stand by you through it all, and still be there for you after the dust settles.
If I died tomorrow,
I hope that what I have done in my life has mattered.
Even if only to one person,
even if only for a moment in time.
I hope that what I have done in my life has mattered.
Even if only to one person,
even if only for a moment in time.
This story relates and refers to
HMP DAME FROST CORRECTIONAL CENTRE.
A Women’s Maximum Security Facility in Deer Park Victoria
HMP DAME FROST CORRECTIONAL CENTRE.
A Women’s Maximum Security Facility in Deer Park Victoria
A little something I would like to share.
Don’t worry my friends, it's not contagious, although the way some people carry on, one would be forgiven for thinking that it is a terrible communicable disease.
I had spent 5 years in the Private System, where I was an Acting Prison Supervisor at a Maximum Security Men’s Prison. When I decided to move over to the Government run Prisons I had no idea of what, ultimately, it was going to cost me. That decision along with the callous act of the the HR Governor Destroyed my life... psychologically, emotionally and financially.
For never in my wildest imagining did I, for one moment, think that I would ever suffer from PTSD.
Nope, that happened to weaker men and women, not to the likes of me.
Or so I thought. Now I see that it more often than not happens to those who are amongst the strongest mentally.
In my particular case, this was brought about by the callous and deliberate actions of a number of soulless individuals who hold Senior Management positions in the Victorian State Government Prison Service {H.M.P.S} at Corrections Victoria’s Dame Phyllis Frost Centre. A Maximum Security, Women's Correctional Facility in Deer Park Victoria Australia.
These individuals,
The General Manager of the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre,
The H.R Governor
3 Chief Prison Officers
· A number of Senior Prison Officers
and last but by no means least
· More than a few Prison Officers
These individuals, individually and collectively set in motion a chain of events that included an attempt to frame me for acts of Sexual Misconduct with female Prisoners..
Acts that I did not commit.
They openly lied, fabricated dispositions and made scandalous claims and accusations of a most heinous nature.
Their intention was to damage my reputation, discredit me and destroy my career. This orchestrated and scurrilous attack was made not only on my Reputation but more importantly on my Integrity, the very cornerstone of my belief system.
I was most vulnerable in that area, for I had no training in how to counter their attack. As a result my world began to slowly and inexorably crumble around me .
Bastards and Dogs, may they rot in Hell, every last one of them.
I had my day in Court and they were found wanting.
Whilst a moral victory was mine...it was not and never will be enough.
The meltdown that followed, cost me dearly. I lost a career, my Lover, my livelihood, my will to live, but more importantly my eldest Daughter.
During that period of my life and in the years since, I have fought my Demons on my own.
My Daughter does not seem to understand just how much that took out of me and how close to the edge I really was and still am.
On the plus side, I did find out who my true friends were and there were only a few, the others deserted me like rats desert a sinking ship. Some have since come crawling back seeking to be my friend again...
I told them plainly and bluntly that I have no time for Rats and their entreaties are wasted on my ears.
When PTSD hits, it hits you hard, right between the eyes and the result of that hit is life altering, for there is no recovery, no going back to the person you were before.
All one can hope for is to learn to live with it and strive to remain as stable as possible. For it is akin to having a dark cloud over you day in, day out.
Every day is a struggle and it is difficult at times just to do the very basic routine day to day things.
There are those days when I am somewhat able to cope and then there are the other days, which I call "Black Dog" days, when an overwhelming sadness closes in around me and my world descends into a place of darkness and pain.
It is in this place of darkness, a place that I know so very well, that I face my Demons. There is no fear for me here, though that has not always been the case. Now there is only a sense of anticipation as I sit with Death at my board, smiling to myself as I challenge her to release me from the Demons that haunt my mind.
Whilst it is a release that I both want and seek, I have thus far lacked the strength and courage to take my own life and I feel no shame at having stared Death in the face only to choose life instead.
Oftentimes when I am at my lowest ebb, some of my friends mistakenly think that I am simply wallowing in self pity and that I have jumped aboard the so called "Pity Train".
They are so far from the truth, for it is apparent that they understand nothing of Depression, simply labeling it as self pity and something that happens to others, never to them.
I do not hold their viewpoints against them, for it is a truth that in order to understand Depression and in particular PTSD and the impact they have on the sufferer, their family and friends, one must have experienced it first hand, there is no other way.
As for me, each day I now count as a blessing for I have no tomorrow. I dream of death, long for Death and await her coming.
There is no fear, only a calmness and inner peace in the knowledge that my pain and internal torment will soon enough come to pass.
Yes, I have no doubt that one day the "Black Dog" will win and I will take my own life.
I no longer take any antidepressant medication or mood stabilizers, as I do not want to spend my days drugged to the eyeballs. I have chosen instead to fight, for as long as I am able, the PTSD and depression using my own inner strength.
It is a tough and hard road to travel and one on which I will, one day, stumble, fall and never get back up.
Each passing day just gets harder and harder to cope with as I grow weary of this life, of the masks I wear in front of my family and friends.
It is harder to live, easier to die.
In my nightly dance with her, Death's overtures are becoming more seductive, more inviting than anything life has on the table.
Perhaps one day soon, I will succumb to her call.
So it is today, like yesterday, that my Dance with Death will continue unabated.
For today I awoke as if from a Terrible Dream for Death had once again walked the corridors of my mind.
I wrote this during a period of my life of intense personal sadness and darkness.
I, along with so many others, suffer from PTSD. A life changing illness and yes, it is an illness. Though the way some people carry on one would be forgiven for thinking that it is a Contagious Disease that must only be spoken of behind closed doors. Hopefully by sharing my words and thoughts I will in some small way bring the subject of Depression and in particular PTSD, out of the shadows and into the light of open and honest discussion. .
I had spent 5 years in the Private System, where I was an Acting Prison Supervisor at a Maximum Security Men’s Prison. When I decided to move over to the Government run Prisons I had no idea of what, ultimately, it was going to cost me. That decision along with the callous act of the the HR Governor Destroyed my life... psychologically, emotionally and financially.
For never in my wildest imagining did I, for one moment, think that I would ever suffer from PTSD.
Nope, that happened to weaker men and women, not to the likes of me.
Or so I thought. Now I see that it more often than not happens to those who are amongst the strongest mentally.
In my particular case, this was brought about by the callous and deliberate actions of a number of soulless individuals who hold Senior Management positions in the Victorian State Government Prison Service {H.M.P.S} at Corrections Victoria’s Dame Phyllis Frost Centre. A Maximum Security, Women's Correctional Facility in Deer Park Victoria Australia.
These individuals,
The General Manager of the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre,
The H.R Governor
3 Chief Prison Officers
· A number of Senior Prison Officers
and last but by no means least
· More than a few Prison Officers
These individuals, individually and collectively set in motion a chain of events that included an attempt to frame me for acts of Sexual Misconduct with female Prisoners..
Acts that I did not commit.
They openly lied, fabricated dispositions and made scandalous claims and accusations of a most heinous nature.
Their intention was to damage my reputation, discredit me and destroy my career. This orchestrated and scurrilous attack was made not only on my Reputation but more importantly on my Integrity, the very cornerstone of my belief system.
I was most vulnerable in that area, for I had no training in how to counter their attack. As a result my world began to slowly and inexorably crumble around me .
Bastards and Dogs, may they rot in Hell, every last one of them.
I had my day in Court and they were found wanting.
Whilst a moral victory was mine...it was not and never will be enough.
The meltdown that followed, cost me dearly. I lost a career, my Lover, my livelihood, my will to live, but more importantly my eldest Daughter.
During that period of my life and in the years since, I have fought my Demons on my own.
My Daughter does not seem to understand just how much that took out of me and how close to the edge I really was and still am.
On the plus side, I did find out who my true friends were and there were only a few, the others deserted me like rats desert a sinking ship. Some have since come crawling back seeking to be my friend again...
I told them plainly and bluntly that I have no time for Rats and their entreaties are wasted on my ears.
When PTSD hits, it hits you hard, right between the eyes and the result of that hit is life altering, for there is no recovery, no going back to the person you were before.
All one can hope for is to learn to live with it and strive to remain as stable as possible. For it is akin to having a dark cloud over you day in, day out.
Every day is a struggle and it is difficult at times just to do the very basic routine day to day things.
There are those days when I am somewhat able to cope and then there are the other days, which I call "Black Dog" days, when an overwhelming sadness closes in around me and my world descends into a place of darkness and pain.
It is in this place of darkness, a place that I know so very well, that I face my Demons. There is no fear for me here, though that has not always been the case. Now there is only a sense of anticipation as I sit with Death at my board, smiling to myself as I challenge her to release me from the Demons that haunt my mind.
Whilst it is a release that I both want and seek, I have thus far lacked the strength and courage to take my own life and I feel no shame at having stared Death in the face only to choose life instead.
Oftentimes when I am at my lowest ebb, some of my friends mistakenly think that I am simply wallowing in self pity and that I have jumped aboard the so called "Pity Train".
They are so far from the truth, for it is apparent that they understand nothing of Depression, simply labeling it as self pity and something that happens to others, never to them.
I do not hold their viewpoints against them, for it is a truth that in order to understand Depression and in particular PTSD and the impact they have on the sufferer, their family and friends, one must have experienced it first hand, there is no other way.
As for me, each day I now count as a blessing for I have no tomorrow. I dream of death, long for Death and await her coming.
There is no fear, only a calmness and inner peace in the knowledge that my pain and internal torment will soon enough come to pass.
Yes, I have no doubt that one day the "Black Dog" will win and I will take my own life.
I no longer take any antidepressant medication or mood stabilizers, as I do not want to spend my days drugged to the eyeballs. I have chosen instead to fight, for as long as I am able, the PTSD and depression using my own inner strength.
It is a tough and hard road to travel and one on which I will, one day, stumble, fall and never get back up.
Each passing day just gets harder and harder to cope with as I grow weary of this life, of the masks I wear in front of my family and friends.
It is harder to live, easier to die.
In my nightly dance with her, Death's overtures are becoming more seductive, more inviting than anything life has on the table.
Perhaps one day soon, I will succumb to her call.
So it is today, like yesterday, that my Dance with Death will continue unabated.
For today I awoke as if from a Terrible Dream for Death had once again walked the corridors of my mind.
I wrote this during a period of my life of intense personal sadness and darkness.
I, along with so many others, suffer from PTSD. A life changing illness and yes, it is an illness. Though the way some people carry on one would be forgiven for thinking that it is a Contagious Disease that must only be spoken of behind closed doors. Hopefully by sharing my words and thoughts I will in some small way bring the subject of Depression and in particular PTSD, out of the shadows and into the light of open and honest discussion. .
PTSD Impacts deeply on Family members and Lovers too.
To whom it may concern
I would like to tell you about a man I once knew, he was the most carefree fun loving, happiest man I have ever known. We used to go for bike rides, we shared a mutual love for horses, he would be constantly making jokes and his laugh was contagious. I rarely, if ever, saw this man sad or down on himself. He taught me at a very young age how to be confident in myself, just like he was. It seemed that nothing could affect him.
This man I am telling you about was my father, he was my rock and in a big way he was the person I inspired to become. This man, much to my horror disappeared and became a man that I do not know, a man that refuses to come out of his room, let alone out of his house. He does not eat much anymore having lost his appetite for food. I try to help him as much as possible, but it is hard to look after a man who has, it seems to me, to have lost his appetite for life itself.
The man that is living in my house is not my Father; he is not the happy laughing man who bought me up. This man doesn't laugh, he doesn't make jokes, and this stranger that has taken my Father’s place is a broken man who feels that he has nothing to live for. This man finds it difficult to get up in the morning and I know that he doesn't sleep well as he always looks tired and drained. Getting him to interact with society is almost impossible and more often than not is akin to getting water out of a stone.
He talks often of suicide and of “ending it all” like it is a normal everyday thing to do and he believes that doing so would be a blessing.
When I was younger my Father would hold me as I cried when I was upset, now I hold him as he cries and begs God to end his “failed life”. This breaks my heart; no that doesn't even start to describe the pain I feel, it is like my heart is being ripped out. Because I can do nothing for him to stop this hurt that he feels. I can see it every time I look at him the toll all this has taken on him; he looks so tired and drained.
I lost my Father around the beginning of 2005 and would do anything to have him back; I miss him so very much. I know that he tries to put on a brave face and to act like things are okay and that he is alright, but I can tell that they are not! I can tell that my Father is dying inside and still praying that he would die altogether for he can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, he sees only the darkness of depression.
The sadness he feels everyday is like a vicious cycle, his depression makes him too sad to move and to go on and he sees death as the answer, then he sees the hurt and pain on mine and my sister’s faces at the thought of losing our Father. This in turn starts him believing that he has failed us, and then death again looks like the answer yet again.
This man in my house, that looks like my Father is a stranger, for I lost my Dad 3 years ago and you could not understand what the last 3 years have been like.
Thanks for taking the time to get to know a man who is greatly missed; my Dad – Blair Stuart
Yours Sincerely
Arrianne Stuart
I would like to tell you about a man I once knew, he was the most carefree fun loving, happiest man I have ever known. We used to go for bike rides, we shared a mutual love for horses, he would be constantly making jokes and his laugh was contagious. I rarely, if ever, saw this man sad or down on himself. He taught me at a very young age how to be confident in myself, just like he was. It seemed that nothing could affect him.
This man I am telling you about was my father, he was my rock and in a big way he was the person I inspired to become. This man, much to my horror disappeared and became a man that I do not know, a man that refuses to come out of his room, let alone out of his house. He does not eat much anymore having lost his appetite for food. I try to help him as much as possible, but it is hard to look after a man who has, it seems to me, to have lost his appetite for life itself.
The man that is living in my house is not my Father; he is not the happy laughing man who bought me up. This man doesn't laugh, he doesn't make jokes, and this stranger that has taken my Father’s place is a broken man who feels that he has nothing to live for. This man finds it difficult to get up in the morning and I know that he doesn't sleep well as he always looks tired and drained. Getting him to interact with society is almost impossible and more often than not is akin to getting water out of a stone.
He talks often of suicide and of “ending it all” like it is a normal everyday thing to do and he believes that doing so would be a blessing.
When I was younger my Father would hold me as I cried when I was upset, now I hold him as he cries and begs God to end his “failed life”. This breaks my heart; no that doesn't even start to describe the pain I feel, it is like my heart is being ripped out. Because I can do nothing for him to stop this hurt that he feels. I can see it every time I look at him the toll all this has taken on him; he looks so tired and drained.
I lost my Father around the beginning of 2005 and would do anything to have him back; I miss him so very much. I know that he tries to put on a brave face and to act like things are okay and that he is alright, but I can tell that they are not! I can tell that my Father is dying inside and still praying that he would die altogether for he can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, he sees only the darkness of depression.
The sadness he feels everyday is like a vicious cycle, his depression makes him too sad to move and to go on and he sees death as the answer, then he sees the hurt and pain on mine and my sister’s faces at the thought of losing our Father. This in turn starts him believing that he has failed us, and then death again looks like the answer yet again.
This man in my house, that looks like my Father is a stranger, for I lost my Dad 3 years ago and you could not understand what the last 3 years have been like.
Thanks for taking the time to get to know a man who is greatly missed; my Dad – Blair Stuart
Yours Sincerely
Arrianne Stuart
23 February 2008
To Whom It May Concern
My name is Lorraine Livock; I am a registered Div 3 Nurse, currently residing in Queensland.
Following is a statement detailing not only the events that occurred in the 2005 / 2006 period, but also the impact of those events on the people involved, up to and including the present time. For clarification of any of the details or comments made in this statement I can be contacted on Mobile …………..
The information herein has been provided of my own free will;
In 2005, I was employed as a Correctional Nurse by Pacific Shores Health Services {PSH}. PSH is the provider of Medical Services to the Inmates of the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, located on Riding Boundary road Deer Park Victoria
One of my work colleagues was a Correctional {Prison} Officer Blair Stuart, with whom I worked closely in the Medical Centre. I found Mr. Stuart to be a man of great integrity, honesty and character. He was and is a man whose personal qualities saw him receive great respect from both fellow staff as well as the women offenders.
After the events that transpired in February of 2005, in which Mr. Stuart was accused of raping a Female Inmate {Ms Madeline Luke}, his personality underwent a significant and dramatic change. He was at a loss to understand how such an allegation could be made against him, and felt that it was an affront to everything he believed in and stood for.
Although he remained at a loss as to the accusations and devastated by them, he also seemed, initially, confident that the accusations, given the indisputable facts of the matter, would be quickly found to be false, withdrawn and his name cleared of any wrongdoing.
As time progressed, Mr. Stuart’s belief that the issue would be quickly and professionally dealt with by the Management Team at the Facility was seen to be misplaced. As a result Mr. Stuart’s integrity and honesty were put to the most severe of tests.
As I became more involved in Mr. Stuart’s life it became very obvious to me that he was being victimised and harassed to the point that his health started to suffer.
During this period of time he complained of extreme tiredness and feeling constantly emotionally drained. Mentally exhausted was how I remember him phrasing it.
He started to display increasingly poor sleeping habits, quite often waking in the middle of the night bathed in sweat and visibly distressed by a reoccurring nightmare of events which took place when he was accused of the rape.
It was noticeable that, as a result of the stress he was under due to the prolonged nature of the investigation, his overall health was deteriorating and that his demeanor was undergoing significant change, a change over which he seemed to have little control.
I was concerned for his emotional and psychological wellbeing and felt that he was sinking into a deep depression.
On or about March 1st 2006, whilst at work in Unit A5, he complained of severe chest pains and after advising his immediate Superiors of his condition left the Prison and attended the Western general Hospital in Sunshine. He was duly admitted with a suspected Heart Attack and then transferred to the Coronary Care Unit at the Western General Hospital in Footscray for further tests. After about a two day stay he was discharged from Hospital, placed on medication and allowed to return home. His health, it must be pointed out, continued to deteriorate to the point that his personal and family life was beginning to suffer.
It is worthy of note that the Management of DPFC did not organise or offer any form of transportation to convey Mr. Stuart to the Hospital. Even though he had informed the Prison Duty Supervisor {a Chief Prison Officer - CPO} and his 2IC {a Senior Prison Officer - SPO} that he was experiencing severe chest pain. Apparently all the CPO was concerned with was how he was going to cover Mr. Stuart’s absence from Unit A5. The SPO just “wished him luck”.
This amounts, in my humble opinion, to a complete failure and breach by DPFC Management of their “Duty of Care” obligation, by allowing a Staff member, who may well have been having a Heart Attack, to drive himself to the Hospital.
Approximately 2 weeks later, on or about 13 March 2006 whilst still trying to cope with the on-going effects, both physical & mental, of the incident of 2005 Mr. Stuart returned to work and was in Unit A5 when he once again experienced chest pains. He took himself to the DPFC Medical Centre, where he was assessed by a Medical officer {Nurse Ivan}. The Nurse advised attending staff that, given the nature of the pain being experienced by Mr. Stuart, he should be taken by a Paramedic Ambulance to the Western General Hospital for further assessment and treatment.
As his partner, I was contacted by HR Governor Tracy Jones, and informed of the situation. I advised Ms Jones that, as Mr. Stuart did not have Ambulance cover, and as I was a qualified Nurse that I would come to the Prison and take him to the Hospital myself. I was advised by Ms Jones that the Prison would take care of the expense related to the Ambulance cost.
It was only after this information was confirmed, did Mr. Stuart agree to attend by Ambulance to the nearest Hospital. It should be noted that Prisoners are themselves taken free of Charge to Hospital by Ambulance whenever it is deemed a requirement.
It is also interesting to note that the promise made by Governor Jones was later rescinded, adding even more stress to Mr. Stuart, which in turn impacted further on his already fragile physical and mental wellbeing.
The level of harassment seen by myself from different professional areas related to this case has been nothing more than overt bullying. Mr. Stuart had, prior to these events been a very conscientious, dedicated and professional man who took great pride in his work as a Correctional {Prison} Officer. It is my opinion that, as a result of the events as I have attempted to describe them, Mr. Stuart’s ability to work with Prisoners has suffered irrevocably.
I believe that the manner in which Mr. Stuart was dealt with by the DPFC Management was unjust and unfair. The resultant high levels of stress that their unwarranted Investigation, combined with their subsequent lack of action to resolve the matter caused him, impacted on him to a far greater level than any of us, at the time, knew or realised.
There is no doubt in my mind that his depression caused by the on-going stress that he was under, in turn impacted substantially on our relationship. During the 12 month period we were together Mr. Stuart changed from a vibrant and outgoing personality to one in which his behaviour became very sullen, withdrawn and at times suicidal. This also impacted quite dramatically on the sexual side of our relationship, to the point where we decided to end our relationship but to continue on as friends.
As time has progressed since the first allegation Mr. Stuart has been greatly affected in his mental and physical health, as well as in his professional and personal life. It is my professional opinion that the stress caused by the protracted nature of the case, has changed Mr. Stuart from the loving, caring, professional and healthy man he once was, to a man who at times is just a shell, for in all reality he is but a mere shadow of his former self. A man who just exists and no longer lives.
To Whom It May Concern
My name is Lorraine Livock; I am a registered Div 3 Nurse, currently residing in Queensland.
Following is a statement detailing not only the events that occurred in the 2005 / 2006 period, but also the impact of those events on the people involved, up to and including the present time. For clarification of any of the details or comments made in this statement I can be contacted on Mobile …………..
The information herein has been provided of my own free will;
In 2005, I was employed as a Correctional Nurse by Pacific Shores Health Services {PSH}. PSH is the provider of Medical Services to the Inmates of the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, located on Riding Boundary road Deer Park Victoria
One of my work colleagues was a Correctional {Prison} Officer Blair Stuart, with whom I worked closely in the Medical Centre. I found Mr. Stuart to be a man of great integrity, honesty and character. He was and is a man whose personal qualities saw him receive great respect from both fellow staff as well as the women offenders.
After the events that transpired in February of 2005, in which Mr. Stuart was accused of raping a Female Inmate {Ms Madeline Luke}, his personality underwent a significant and dramatic change. He was at a loss to understand how such an allegation could be made against him, and felt that it was an affront to everything he believed in and stood for.
Although he remained at a loss as to the accusations and devastated by them, he also seemed, initially, confident that the accusations, given the indisputable facts of the matter, would be quickly found to be false, withdrawn and his name cleared of any wrongdoing.
As time progressed, Mr. Stuart’s belief that the issue would be quickly and professionally dealt with by the Management Team at the Facility was seen to be misplaced. As a result Mr. Stuart’s integrity and honesty were put to the most severe of tests.
As I became more involved in Mr. Stuart’s life it became very obvious to me that he was being victimised and harassed to the point that his health started to suffer.
During this period of time he complained of extreme tiredness and feeling constantly emotionally drained. Mentally exhausted was how I remember him phrasing it.
He started to display increasingly poor sleeping habits, quite often waking in the middle of the night bathed in sweat and visibly distressed by a reoccurring nightmare of events which took place when he was accused of the rape.
It was noticeable that, as a result of the stress he was under due to the prolonged nature of the investigation, his overall health was deteriorating and that his demeanor was undergoing significant change, a change over which he seemed to have little control.
I was concerned for his emotional and psychological wellbeing and felt that he was sinking into a deep depression.
On or about March 1st 2006, whilst at work in Unit A5, he complained of severe chest pains and after advising his immediate Superiors of his condition left the Prison and attended the Western general Hospital in Sunshine. He was duly admitted with a suspected Heart Attack and then transferred to the Coronary Care Unit at the Western General Hospital in Footscray for further tests. After about a two day stay he was discharged from Hospital, placed on medication and allowed to return home. His health, it must be pointed out, continued to deteriorate to the point that his personal and family life was beginning to suffer.
It is worthy of note that the Management of DPFC did not organise or offer any form of transportation to convey Mr. Stuart to the Hospital. Even though he had informed the Prison Duty Supervisor {a Chief Prison Officer - CPO} and his 2IC {a Senior Prison Officer - SPO} that he was experiencing severe chest pain. Apparently all the CPO was concerned with was how he was going to cover Mr. Stuart’s absence from Unit A5. The SPO just “wished him luck”.
This amounts, in my humble opinion, to a complete failure and breach by DPFC Management of their “Duty of Care” obligation, by allowing a Staff member, who may well have been having a Heart Attack, to drive himself to the Hospital.
Approximately 2 weeks later, on or about 13 March 2006 whilst still trying to cope with the on-going effects, both physical & mental, of the incident of 2005 Mr. Stuart returned to work and was in Unit A5 when he once again experienced chest pains. He took himself to the DPFC Medical Centre, where he was assessed by a Medical officer {Nurse Ivan}. The Nurse advised attending staff that, given the nature of the pain being experienced by Mr. Stuart, he should be taken by a Paramedic Ambulance to the Western General Hospital for further assessment and treatment.
As his partner, I was contacted by HR Governor Tracy Jones, and informed of the situation. I advised Ms Jones that, as Mr. Stuart did not have Ambulance cover, and as I was a qualified Nurse that I would come to the Prison and take him to the Hospital myself. I was advised by Ms Jones that the Prison would take care of the expense related to the Ambulance cost.
It was only after this information was confirmed, did Mr. Stuart agree to attend by Ambulance to the nearest Hospital. It should be noted that Prisoners are themselves taken free of Charge to Hospital by Ambulance whenever it is deemed a requirement.
It is also interesting to note that the promise made by Governor Jones was later rescinded, adding even more stress to Mr. Stuart, which in turn impacted further on his already fragile physical and mental wellbeing.
The level of harassment seen by myself from different professional areas related to this case has been nothing more than overt bullying. Mr. Stuart had, prior to these events been a very conscientious, dedicated and professional man who took great pride in his work as a Correctional {Prison} Officer. It is my opinion that, as a result of the events as I have attempted to describe them, Mr. Stuart’s ability to work with Prisoners has suffered irrevocably.
I believe that the manner in which Mr. Stuart was dealt with by the DPFC Management was unjust and unfair. The resultant high levels of stress that their unwarranted Investigation, combined with their subsequent lack of action to resolve the matter caused him, impacted on him to a far greater level than any of us, at the time, knew or realised.
There is no doubt in my mind that his depression caused by the on-going stress that he was under, in turn impacted substantially on our relationship. During the 12 month period we were together Mr. Stuart changed from a vibrant and outgoing personality to one in which his behaviour became very sullen, withdrawn and at times suicidal. This also impacted quite dramatically on the sexual side of our relationship, to the point where we decided to end our relationship but to continue on as friends.
As time has progressed since the first allegation Mr. Stuart has been greatly affected in his mental and physical health, as well as in his professional and personal life. It is my professional opinion that the stress caused by the protracted nature of the case, has changed Mr. Stuart from the loving, caring, professional and healthy man he once was, to a man who at times is just a shell, for in all reality he is but a mere shadow of his former self. A man who just exists and no longer lives.
The Harassment by Corrections Victoria Employees continues!
Some real Lowlife Dogs amongst this crew. The majority had no scruples, no Integrity. Particularly the Chief and the Senior.. The ONLY Officer who stood Tall was P.O Shaun Reed. A man of great Integrity and Honesty who refused to lie in order to further his career within the Department.
On 16 April 2013, Lisa Handyside, a Justice Department Employee demanded I remove this photo which was taken at the Recruit Graduation..
Prison Officer Ms Lisa Handyside also appeared in the graduation Photo, however it appears that she does not want her Image anywhere on the Web!!
Even though the image of this person was tiny, and her identity nor the identity of any of the others in the Graduation Photograph was ever made known in any Title information,
It should also be noted that the Photo itself has been on display with this story on this site for an extended period of time without any other requests for its deletion.
The DEMAND from Prison Officer Lisa. Handyside, to remove the image was aggressive, rude and to throw in a little Intimidation, sent through on a Victorian Government Department of Justice Email.
The Emails, along with screen shots of the number of Web Searches {using C.V. as a keyword, amongst others}, and the number of times this page and others I own, have been visited by P.O. Handyside, have been forwarded to Corrections Victoria Head Office and the Victorian State Government Department of Justice {D.O.J}.
These emails and the Web visits to my sites, for NON Prison related Data collection, by Prison Officer Handyside, will be viewed by the D.O.J as being inappropriate and improper use of the Prison's Email and Internet system.
The question to be asked also is WHY, is a Government Employee surfing the Net when they are supposed to be on Duty.... yet another breach of D.O.J regulations!
P. O Lisa Handyside ex DPFC and now at the Metropolitan Remand Centre.
LEGAL ADVICE IS BEING SOUGHT AND IF GROUNDS EXIST, I WILL TAKE SUCH ACTION AS IS AVAILABLE TO ME!!
As I view the actions of this D.O.J employee to be nothing more than Intimidation, Harassment and bullying behaviour....
sadly so typical of a significant number of Members of the Victorian Prison Service.
It is people like this small minded arrogant Bitch, with their bullying and demanding ways that destroyed my life.
If she wants a fight then a Fight is exactly what she will get, Media and all!!
My advice to her is to "Back Off Bitch!!"
Prison Officer Ms Lisa Handyside also appeared in the graduation Photo, however it appears that she does not want her Image anywhere on the Web!!
Even though the image of this person was tiny, and her identity nor the identity of any of the others in the Graduation Photograph was ever made known in any Title information,
It should also be noted that the Photo itself has been on display with this story on this site for an extended period of time without any other requests for its deletion.
The DEMAND from Prison Officer Lisa. Handyside, to remove the image was aggressive, rude and to throw in a little Intimidation, sent through on a Victorian Government Department of Justice Email.
The Emails, along with screen shots of the number of Web Searches {using C.V. as a keyword, amongst others}, and the number of times this page and others I own, have been visited by P.O. Handyside, have been forwarded to Corrections Victoria Head Office and the Victorian State Government Department of Justice {D.O.J}.
These emails and the Web visits to my sites, for NON Prison related Data collection, by Prison Officer Handyside, will be viewed by the D.O.J as being inappropriate and improper use of the Prison's Email and Internet system.
The question to be asked also is WHY, is a Government Employee surfing the Net when they are supposed to be on Duty.... yet another breach of D.O.J regulations!
P. O Lisa Handyside ex DPFC and now at the Metropolitan Remand Centre.
LEGAL ADVICE IS BEING SOUGHT AND IF GROUNDS EXIST, I WILL TAKE SUCH ACTION AS IS AVAILABLE TO ME!!
As I view the actions of this D.O.J employee to be nothing more than Intimidation, Harassment and bullying behaviour....
sadly so typical of a significant number of Members of the Victorian Prison Service.
It is people like this small minded arrogant Bitch, with their bullying and demanding ways that destroyed my life.
If she wants a fight then a Fight is exactly what she will get, Media and all!!
My advice to her is to "Back Off Bitch!!"
The words of Kahlil Gibran taken from his book the Prophet
On Pain.
Kahlil Gibran
Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.
Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain.
And could you keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles of your life, your pain would not seem less wondrous than your joy;
And you would accept the seasons of your heart,
even as you have always accepted the seasons that pass over your fields.
And you would watch with serenity through the winters of your grief.
Much of your pain is self-chosen.
It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self.
Therefore trust the physician, and drink his remedy in silence and tranquillity:
For his hand, though heavy and hard, is guided by the tender hand of the Unseen,
And the cup he brings, though it burn your lips,
has been fashioned of the clay ; the Potter has moistened with His own sacred tears.
On Death.
You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.
In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;
And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.
Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king
whose hand is to be laid upon him in honour.
Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king?
Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides,
that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.
All content, images and rights therein, including copyright (c) 2009 - 2019 are reserved and remain the sole and exclusive property of Blair J. Stuart and Stuart Media Services and the various Copyright owners
On Pain.
Kahlil Gibran
Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.
Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain.
And could you keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles of your life, your pain would not seem less wondrous than your joy;
And you would accept the seasons of your heart,
even as you have always accepted the seasons that pass over your fields.
And you would watch with serenity through the winters of your grief.
Much of your pain is self-chosen.
It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self.
Therefore trust the physician, and drink his remedy in silence and tranquillity:
For his hand, though heavy and hard, is guided by the tender hand of the Unseen,
And the cup he brings, though it burn your lips,
has been fashioned of the clay ; the Potter has moistened with His own sacred tears.
On Death.
You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.
In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;
And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.
Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king
whose hand is to be laid upon him in honour.
Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king?
Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides,
that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.
All content, images and rights therein, including copyright (c) 2009 - 2019 are reserved and remain the sole and exclusive property of Blair J. Stuart and Stuart Media Services and the various Copyright owners
