A resident of Playa Honda reports the vulnerable situation of a citizen residing in the town due to serious addiction problems. The woman, around 54 years old and of British origin, lives in her home with a dog and a cat, accumulating a large amount of garbage that she collects from the street. In addition, she may suffer from Diogenes Syndrome. "She is a homeless person in her own home," says the neighbor.
As can be seen in the images provided to La Voz, the affected woman collects furniture and garbage that she keeps inside the house and in the surrounding area. Paintings, chairs, boxes, pots, etc., are some of the different elements that occupy the entire house. According to the witness's testimony, the house is not habitable for anyone. "It is full of garbage" and in an "unhealthy" state, they add. Inside and out you can see the "poor condition" of the house. "The bad smell and fleas are noticeable inside," she says. In addition, the neighbors complain that the situation has become "annoying and unsustainable."
The woman reports that the owner "has no financial resources" to maintain a normal life. She emphasizes that "the bad decisions made throughout her life" have led her to lose her assets. "She had money and even a convertible, but she has lost everything," she reveals. The lady is a foreigner and does not have family support on the island. Although she has a son living in England, her relationship is non-existent and she barely deals with him.
"She had money and even a convertible, but she has lost everything due to bad decisions"
Alleged mistreatment by strangers
In addition, the affected woman has occasionally received some humiliating treatment. According to what the citizen has communicated to the Local Police of San Bartolomé, there is "clear evidence" that she has received "alleged mistreatment by some strangers with whom she interacts." Her companions "visit her house repeatedly," at which point altercations arise. "Screams and arguments are heard," the witness assures.
The sad story has also been made known to the San Bartolomé City Council. The witness wanted to show the reality with which she has to live day after day and thus prevent a "major problem" from occurring. "I am worried about her safety," she revealed to the newspaper. "She is in very bad condition, has been getting worse over time and needs help," she claims.
The San Bartolomé City Council is requested to take measures to clean the house, ensure the condition of the animals, monitor the affected woman and try to find a solution for her. Social Services are "aware of the situation and have not taken measures in this regard," the citizen concluded, asking that action be taken immediately. According to the citizen, for two years, the only measure that has been taken has been to make various bags of food available to her, leaving them at the door of the house. But she, due to her condition, collects them and places them at the entrance of the homes of some of her neighbors.
For their part, Social Services of the San Bartolomé City Council have explained to La Voz that "they have been working on the case for some time."
In addition, the woman criticizes the attitude of the health services towards the event. From the emergency room they have "been aware of the aggressions she suffers, but they have not acted either." "The doctors have witnessed the bruises and nothing has been reported," concludes the complainant.
