Tributes pour in after the tragic death of Daisy Coleman
Trigger warning: This article contains reference to sexual assault and suicide
The internet is awash with moving tributes to 23-year-old Daisy Coleman, a sexual assault victim advocate who featured in the powerful Netflix documentary Audrie & Daisy, after she took her own life this week.
Daisy's mother, Melinda Coleman, announced the desperately sad news on Facebook, writing: "She was my best friend and amazing daughter. I think she had to make it seem like I could live without her. I can't.
"I wish I could have taken the pain from her! She never recovered from what those boys did to her and it's just not fair. My baby girl is gone," wrote the grieving mother.
Daisy, from Missouri, US was just 14 when she alleged she was raped at a party in 2012. As a result of speaking out Daisy was bullied, and the charge against the teenage boy accused of the crime was later dropped. Then-17-year-old Matthew Barnett was initially charged with felony sexual assault, but the case was eventually dropped when he argued Daisy had consented to sex. Barnett later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of child endangerment.
A post shared by IAMCAT Daisy Coleman (@youngcattattoos) on May 1, 2019 at 3:07pm PDT
Daisy Coleman, who ended up having to leave her home town due to intense bullying and threats, went on to feature in the 2016 Netflix film Audrie & Daisy, which explored the bullying teenage sexual assault victims can be subjected to. Daisy went on to co-found the nonprofit organisation SafeBAE, which seeks to prevent sexual assault in schools.
A statement posted on Facebook by SafeBAE reads:
"As all of our supporters know, Daisy has fought for many years to both heal from her assault and prevent future sexual violence among teens. She was our sister in this work and much of the driving force behind it. We were not just a non-profit team, but a family. We are shattered and shocked by her passing from suicide."
The sad post continued, describing the "many traumas" Daisy faced in her life. "But as many of you know, healing is not a straight path or any easy one. She fought longer and harder than we will ever know," a spokesperson wrote.
A post shared by IAMCAT Daisy Coleman (@youngcattattoos) on Nov 8, 2019 at 11:02am PST
Sharing an encouraging message, the tribute went on to say: "She would want young survivors to know they are heard, they matter, they are loved, and there are places for them to get the help they need."
Over on Twitter, hundreds of people have shared their sadness at Daisy's death. "I followed the fight for justice and healing of Daisy Coleman. This is truly heartbreaking. Thank you for using your courageous voice for others. Rest in Peace beautiful girl," wrote journalist Lisa May Young.
"Daisy Coleman was a survivor who died by suicide and I'm so angry... How many survivors will die by suicide because of their rapes?" writer Lane Moore posted.
Audrie, who also featured in the documentary, took her own life back in September 2012, shortly after she was sexually assaulted.
Our thoughts are with Daisy Coleman's family and friends at this terribly difficult time.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues contact a GP or freephone Samaritans for confidential support 24 hours a day, on 116 123. If you need help and support regarding sexual assault, reach out to charity Victim Support on their free Support line on 0808 16 89 111 which is open 24/7, or find out more information on their website.
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