Daisy Coleman, one of the central figures of the 2016 Netflix documentary Audrie & Daisy, and founder of the sexual assault prevention organisation SafeBAE, has passed away.
Coleman was 23.
Daisy Coleman, sexual assault prevention advocate and the star of Netflix documentary Audrie & Daisy, has sadly passed away at the age of 23.
Coleman’s mother posted on Facebook, describing, “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.”
Coleman was the subject of the documentary Audrie & Daisy which paralleled the stories of sexual assault, and subsequent ostracisation, of two teenage girls in 2012 on opposite sides of America. Coleman and Audrie Pott were both sexually assaulted when they were 14 and 15, respectively. In similar stories, following the assault, both girls faced intense cyberbullying and were shunned from their communities, with Coleman’s house even being burnt down. Audrie Pott took her own life ten days after her assault.
Absolutely devastated to hear of the loss of Daisy Coleman this morning.. Daisy was one of the first survivors I remember influencing me to raise my voice against domestic violence and sexual assault. #fordaisy
— elj (@NJMomma613) August 5, 2020
Coleman’s abuser was 19-year-old Matthew Barnett, the grandson of a former Republican state representative. He was charged with felony sexual assault, however, it was later downgraded to a misdemeanour charge of endangerment of a minor and he served only two years probation.
Years later the case received mainstream attention and became the subject of the documentary. In 2017, Coleman went on to found the sexual assault prevention organisation SafeBAE (Safe Before Anyone Else) with the aim of ending assault among school students.
Cat, I’m so sorry. I wish I could have been there for you. I have this year, I hate this life. I know you’re with Tristan and your Dad now, but I will miss seeing you. You changed the world, you will not be forgotten. I hope to see you in the next life#fordaisy rip daisy coleman pic.twitter.com/Og8s3he8Ac
— Roze Savage (@La_daddyDiabla) August 5, 2020
SafeBAE have posted a series of tributes to Coleman on Instagram since the news of her death.
“As many of you know, she’s struggled with healing for many years and had been making incredible progress, but healing is never a straight path and can often have setbacks,” SafeBAE described. “But she would want you all to know how much she loved this work and all of you who have joined us in it.”
“Nothing inspired her more than knowing that she could help other survivors and work to prevent sexual violence. We want you to know that our entire team is here to help and support you, as we all grieve this loss,” the post continued.
“We want to remember Daisy for the incredible person she was and the legacy she’s given us with SafeBAE.”
Tributes have flooded in for Coleman.
I am heartbroken that dear comrade Daisy Coleman has passed away from suicide. It is a punch in the gut for all of us who knew and loved her. She stayed strong for so long in a society that wouldn’t stop attacking her. Thank you to everyone that stood by her side. #fordaisy pic.twitter.com/jYdItAdk0G
— Anonymous (@YourAnonCentral) August 5, 2020
We are devastated to hear about the loss of Daisy Coleman, survivor and co-founder of @safe_bae. May her light continue to shine and know that we still see, hear, and believe her. Our hearts go out to her family and the @safe_bae community. Rest In Peace. 🙏🏾 #fordaisy pic.twitter.com/x4Q9cYGf9F
— End Rape on Campus (@endrapeoncampus) August 5, 2020
I’m devastated to learn of the recent death of Daisy Coleman, one of the founders of @safe_bae. She was so kind & thoughtful, even as the mob sought to erase her after her assault. She imprinted herself on me, literally, tattooing this semi-colon on my hand. pic.twitter.com/Svtyj5bDau
— Amanda Knox (@amandaknox) August 5, 2020
I can’t shake Daisy Coleman’s death today. There needs to be a different word than “suicide” to describe what happened to her and so many other survivors of assaults.
— Soraya Chemaly (@schemaly) August 5, 2020
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact:
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
1800 Respect on 1800 737 732
