Bridget Flack dies in tragic Victoria suicide case
Bridget Flack dies in tragic Victoria suicide case
Fatal Victoria suicide death of Bridget Flack – Obituary
A recent inquest has highlighted urgent changes needed to improve police procedures and enhance support for transgender and gender-diverse individuals following the deaths of five young trans women in Melbourne between 2020 and 2021. Coroner Ingrid Giles has recommended reforms to Victoria Police and increased funding for trans healthcare.
Bridget Flack, one of the deceased, was reported missing on December 1, 2020. Despite concerns from her family, police failed to assess her high risk of suicide accurately. This lapse in judgment prevented them from using her phone signal to locate her. Consequently, the LGBTQIA+ community organized a ground search, during which Bridget’s body was discovered on December 11, 2020.
Giles criticized the police for inadequately considering the safety of those searching for Bridget and noted systemic failures in the investigation, though no anti-trans bias was found. She has called for changes in police procedures, including improved risk assessment for missing persons and officer training. Giles also noted that previous internal reviews by Victoria Police had not been acted upon, urging immediate implementation of her recommendations.
The inquest also reviewed the deaths of Natalie Wilson, Matt Byrne, Heather Pierard, and an individual referred to as AS. Many of these women had supportive networks but faced difficulties accessing mental health and gender-affirming services. Giles emphasized the need for increased funding and better access to gender-affirming care and criticized the healthcare system’s shortcomings.
The inquest revealed that Byrne had received inadequate and dangerous gender-affirming surgery from an unlicensed practitioner, underscoring the need for improved care accessibility. Additionally, Giles recommended federal action to control the distribution of a lethal substance used by some of the women to end their lives.
Victoria Police and the state government have pledged to review the recommendations. Son Vivienne of Transgender Victoria called the findings “long overdue,” and Anna Bernasochi from Switchboard Victoria vowed continued advocacy for systemic change.
For support, individuals can reach out to QLife, Lifeline, Kids Helpline, or beyondblue.
Bridget Flack dies in tragic Victoria suicide case Fatal Victoria suicide death of Bridget Flack – Obituary A recent inquest has highlighted urgent changes needed to improve police procedures and enhance support for transgender and gender-diverse individuals following the deaths of five young trans women in Melbourne between 2020 and 2021. Coroner Ingrid Giles has…
Bridget Flack dies in tragic Victoria suicide case Fatal Victoria suicide death of Bridget Flack – Obituary A recent inquest has highlighted urgent changes needed to improve police procedures and enhance support for transgender and gender-diverse individuals following the deaths of five young trans women in Melbourne between 2020 and 2021. Coroner Ingrid Giles has…