The National Network of Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls expresses its profound sorrow following the reported death of an 18-year-old woman in custody at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre (DPFC) on Monday, 27 July 2026.
Every death in custody is a tragedy that demands transparency, accountability, and independent scrutiny. The death of such a young woman while in the “care” of the state raises urgent questions about the conditions of her incarceration, the care she received, and whether every reasonable step was taken to protect her life and wellbeing.
Women and girls in custody often enter prison with complex histories of trauma, mental distress, family violence, homelessness, and systemic disadvantage. These realities place a heightened responsibility on correctional authorities to provide trauma-informed and culturally responsive care.
The National Network calls on the Victorian Government and Corrections Victoria to ensure:
- A thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this young woman’s death.
- Timely public disclosure of the findings, consistent with the family’s privacy and the integrity of any investigation.
- Appropriate support and information for the woman’s family, loved ones, and others affected by this tragedy.
- Appropriate counselling for the women who are incarcerated beside her, where it is requested.
- A review of policies and practices at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre to identify and address any systemic issues that may have contributed to this death.
Statement from the National Network of Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls:
‘No family should lose a daughter while she is in the so-called care of the state. We extend our deepest condolences to this young woman’s family, friends, and community. Her death must not become another statistic. It must prompt a genuine commitment to transparency, accountability, and meaningful transformation to ensure the safety and dignity of all women and girls in custody,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘An 18-year-old should be planning her future, not dying in prison. She was still a teenager. Her death should shock the conscience of every Australian. Every death in custody should propel this nation to act: not with sympathy alone, but with meaningful change. Never has the call for decarceration been louder or more urgent. We cannot continue to accept prisons as the default response to the complex social and health issues faced by women and girls. This tragedy must be a turning point,’ said Tabitha Lean.
This tragedy is a stark reminder that the wellbeing and human rights of incarcerated women and girls must remain a national priority. Meaningful change requires divestment from incarceration and a reinvestment in trauma-informed care, culturally safe services, health support, and social support for vulnerable women wherever possible.
The National Network will continue to advocate alongside families, communities, and partner organisations to ensure that every death in custody receives the independent scrutiny it deserves and that systemic harms are addressed.
For further comment, please contact Debbie Kilroy on 0419 762 474 or Tabitha Lean on 0499 780 226.
