im a mother of 3 young children and im pretty much speechless on what happened to beautiful little darcy, i would just like to send all of her family my sincere condolences at this horrific time. lots of love.

Dear Lord please hold Darcey and snuggle her close to you, hold her broken body and let her feel no pain, let all children have peace and joy, and know your love. Dear God help us keep our children safe. Darcey - Peace Perfect Peace

To the family of Darcy My deepest sympathys RLP Darcy Thinking of you sweety jodie

To all the family of Darcy i have two kids of my own we were so sad to there . my deepest sympathys my heat go's to you . RIP Sweety jodie

Our thoughts are with Mummy,Benjamin and Jackson.And everyone who knew and loved.you. What a tragic way to end a precious life.May you be safely wrapped in the arms of the Angels.What a beautiful Angel you will be.Sad are the Hearts that love you.

i did not know u but your story got to my heart u look like a little angle and my heart go out to your family and friends rest in peace little angle bec

Ever since this happened......I've had a vision of you in my head. It was your first day of school. I can imagine that you were so proud to wear your school uniform for the first time......and I can also imagine the anticipation and excitement you were feeling. Having children of my own I know how emotional and important this special occasion is. How could it be taken away from you and your family so horribly? How could your life be taken so horribly? How could the person who was supposed to love, nurture, and protect you do this to you? Right now my heart is aching as it has been since I heard the terrible news.........and I am numb with disbelief.... Such an innocent, sweet, and helpless little child...... You've had an extremely profound effect on me.......as all innocent children who have suffered and died ........ at the hands of the people who are there to supposedly protect them.have........And reading all of these posts, I know that your passing has had an equally profound effect on everyone who has heard about this tragedy....... Hopefully this sad event will be the one that finally changes the laws on the so called "Shared Care" arrangement...I know that for alot of families this could work well but for alot of others, and especially the children, it is so unfair and potentially dangerous....and even life threatening......... Also I hope that alot more will be done by the Government to protect all innocent children from neglect, emotional and physical abuse, and murder at the hands of the people that they love....The Dept of Family Services, Community Services, whatever they like to call themselves, need to be shaken up and rearranged..Their needs to be more community support and there should be more help available to the people who cry out for help! I know this for a fact because I am someone who cried out for help......and I was turned away and told that nothing could be done.........My fears were later realized as I had predicted and my children's lives will be changed forever. But this is not about me....... ....Money should not be an object to enable the needed funding and staffing of these departments. Their budgets should be endless!....What is the life of a precious child worth? A piece of my heart was torn out that day and is now in heaven with you..... Rest In Peace Darcey... Debra x

I have a 4 year old girl myself and when I heard of this tragedy it broke my heart as how could you do this to an inicent human being. Well we may never know that answer. But I wanted to share the poem I wrote for little Darcey, Darcy, The candle has been lit, The flight has been set, Darcy is ready to be laid to rest. A beautiful soul, A tender heart, A life cut short right from the start. God has her now, She is safe again, free from pain and playing again, See you Darcy, wipe those tears, Happiness now is what you hold........ so dear. So when we see a rainbow, shining so bright, We will know you are alright. So fly sweet angel, You are free to soar, There goes another guardian angel, Through Gods door. Written by Belinda Miles RIP beautiful girl, all my thoughts and prayers go to your mum and brothers. We may never know why this has happened but may you know that everyone in Australia and the world is praying for you and may you find comfort in all their words and support

sarah

15 years ago

Such a beatiful poem. Such a beautiful little, sweet girl. R.I.P Darcey, you're safe now.

i didnt know you but have children of my own.you are up there with god and the angels. they will take care of you now smpathy goes to your family fiona xo

Darcey, we never knew you, but we feel so sad that such a beautiful little girl has left us. Know that you will always be remembered and loved by so many people all over the world. There are lots and lots of people here who will look after your Mummy and your brothers Ben and Jack. I have 5 beautiful children of my own. I always think I'm the luckiest Mum in the world. I bet your Mum thought that when she looked at you too. When a Mummy has a baby, that little baby is a part of her forever. You will be with your mum, your family and your friends forever too sweetheart. Your life may have been short, but you have touched so many hearts. Rest in peace precious one xxx.

i cant believe someone could do this to a child, to such a sweet innocent young girl!! she was absolutely beautiful and she wil be in my heart forever... i heard about it when i uncle got home from work he came up and gave me a huge hug and he cried... i was stunned to hear about such a tragedy, no one deserves to be taken away at such a young age... my deepest sympathy goes out to the family i cant even imagine the pain your going through i wish i had been privilegded enough to have met this super young girl! rest in peace darcey all my love forever and etertinity xoxoxox

Slumber sweetly Miss Darcey, although we did not know each other, you have really put things into perspective for me and how i sorely wish it was under better circumstances.

I was at work the day you lost your life , my workmates told me and I just couldnt believe a father could do such a thing. I could not get the story out of my mind all day,my heart hurts so much for the little girl lost..may she rest in peace on a beautiful cloud and never feel pain again. sleep peacefully little Darcy Freeman your an angel

To the family of Darcey ,I just want to wish u all the love and sympathys in the world for the loss of yet another princess, God only takes the best and when it rains she will be our tears, when the moon glows at night thats will be Darcey. when the sun is shinning in the day thats her smile to brighten anyones day, When her dad did the unspeakable act on her that unforgettable day she was given her wings to fly to the heavens and she felt no pain she is there to protect all thats close to her and we will all get to meet that shining little princess when we go through those gates with our wings god bless until u meet her again xx

To all the family of Darcey my deepest sympathys to you at this horriable end to such a sweet short life of a darling lttle girl but god only takes the pretty angels thats why she was chosen she is the moon that glows at night and the sun that shines during the day and when it rains shes the tears for all the ones that miss her and go through pain .. God gave her , her wings the day she was sent to him, and no pain would of been felt for yr pretty girl as god saw and let her fly her way to heaven, im sure she will be sadly missed but one day we will all get to meet this darling angel and im sure she will still have that beautiful smile she left u with God Bless to you all xx

Dear Darcey My daughter's birthday is 2 days after your own, and she has just started school. You should be at your school too, colouring, laughing, playing, cuddling your Mummy and brothers. I don't know why this happened to you, maybe God chose you to be up in heaven with him among the angels, fairies, rainbows and other beautiful things, too beautiful for this world. I hope an angel held your hand as you fell and took you up to heaven straight away. If I had of been there and knew what was about to happen, I would have done anything, even given my life to stop that person taking yours. RIP sweetie xoxo

I cant imagine the pain, i will cherish my little girls in memory of you, bless your family, may the angels surround them in this time of mourning and keep you close to their hearts..

you will live on in the hearts of us all and will be remembered in the faces of every four year old little girl........love your children

Darcey, you life was taken you from you to short, you deserved to see the rest of the world and live it with your 2 brothers. Darcey you gave me strength, I have a 6 month old son and have been living with my partner in an abusive relationship, after hearing your story I packed my son and myself up and left. No children should be taken before their parents, and my deepest sympthays go out to your mother, brothers and relatives. RIP Sweety....

Anne

15 years ago

Hello Amber, I have read your article and would like to respond; as I am a single mother of two children also with abusive ex-partners and when I heard about The West Gate Bridge Incident I was angry and horrified. I wrote to the hearld sun, the geelong newspapers and your local politician in charge of the department of child protection, the following article/information. Ps: I hope this isn't too much information for you, but I hope it helps in some way. Before you read my article/information lodged with so called caring authorities, I want to know why the department of child protection ignored the mothers conserns for two years prior to this incident; God forbid, but if that was my child, I wouldn't hesitate to advertise for other similar cases and take up legal action against the department of child protection, who are so busy wrecking homes of single mothers to dave the government millions in sole parent payouts, that they neglect the real caeses like Darcy Freeman. Shame on them. Well here is my informatoin, pass it around as much as possible because people power is what makes changes to this unforgiving system; qucik quote from Steve Irwin "Evil Flourishes when good men/women do nothing", that's what the problem is here!!! PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL I would like to take this opportunity to address the news headlines; The Westgate Bridge Incident”; which has angered me beyond belief. I have very strong parenting views and believe the owness is on The Family Law Courts and The Parliament House for passing a bill years ago allowing fathers to fight their ex-partners in courts for 50/50 custody. This has been of financial gain for the government who no longer are responsible for excessive sole parent payments; those sole parents payments (in the past), have spared women and children from abuse and death; you can’t pay enough for that and FOR THE government it’s chook feed! Since then, many children have died at the hands of the fathers and unfortunately this is just one more horrific incident in a swamp of many; the number of deaths is increasing and nobody is acting politically on behalf of the kids caught in the middle; domestic violence is on the rise along with female depression and kids on drugs??? For example; A father drowned his kids in Melbourne aprox four years ago to get the mother back for leaving an abusive relationship, he had four young children who drowned defenceless in the car. Another father buried his son in a tunnel near the goldfields last year during visitiations because of custody battles, to get the mother back for loosing control over her... Another murder suicide had recently taken place in the eastern states because of custody battles... and the list goes on. You would have to be stupid not to know that custody battles is all about abuse of power of position and control and the law is dangerously putting that into the man’s hands, who have a history of abusing their power of position; so what happens when men loose control of their ex-partners, they use the children to regain control over the mother (who often leave because of abuse in the first place); and when that doesn’t work anymore it results in death, plain and simply. Trying to prove that to The Family Law Courts, who are fixed in their methods and systems of proving a man innocent, is every mother’s worse night mare. Even in rape cases, the courts consider how a man felt at the time of crime before passing judgment, despite the evidence presented. How many more children have to die at the hands of their fathers before something in done about this? No one has the guts to get involved and challenge the system and therefore we lack people power in this very important area of our lives, which is shaping our future generation. Since the 50/50 custody was introduced, children have been subject to conflicting parenting, abuse and death; if these laws are about equal rights, well there is no equality when it comes to childbirth. We are expected to be mothers without our kids and still smile at life in a country that boasts opportunity, liberty and professional responsibility but delivers very little of it to the ordinary human being. This is not the first incident of it’s kind and it won’t be the last, the only difference is it’s done publically involving eyewitnesses to provoke a stronger reaction. There is history of children dying in the hands of their fathers who are in the midst of custody battles and it’s clear that a number of men arn’t coping with sharing their kids; so give them back to the mothers who won’t murder them in the name of power and control. AND WHY DIDN’T CHILD PROTECTION PICK THIS UP, I’M SURE THE SIGNS WERE THERE? CHILD PROTECTION IS SO BUSY BREATHING DOWN SINGLE MOTHERS NECKS to save the government billions each year in sole parenting payments, THAT THE REAL IN-NEED CASES ARE BEING OVERLOOKED. The parenting standards have been raised so high that only two parent families can meet comfortably; this is a case of discrimination on the grounds of marital status. How many more women have to loose their kids before something is done about it and how many more have to die. And as for me, my ex-partner placed a gun (with blanks) to my 7 year old son’s head and thought it was funny, he made several concerning threats; upon me threatening to complain loudly, his family colluded with my son’s school principal to silence me, who has enormous influential pull with the federal police and the department of child protection, (my son was subjecting to unacceptable bullying by teachers and fellow students who were following the teachers example, which led to ugly legal disputes; they were trying to accuse me for the bullying bruises to constructively have my son removed from my care, the judge had his mind made up before I walked through the courtroom door and I had no lawyer, but god knew I was innocent and spared me my children). Since escaping my ex-partner I have been subject to tight monitoring from a federal level, my phone tapped, every room of my house bugged, the neighbours pre-warned based on a bundle of lies causing social isolation and I have been further defamed to local business, preventing me from earning sufficient income to provide better for my kids and clear my debts; I am a graphic designer and rely heavily on local businesses for added income. I have further been blacklisted from women’s refuges, legal advice and crises type assistance, by way of slander and defamation based on a bundle of lies; attempts have been made to stake me out on a number of occasions. This is my affidavit but without a lawyer it’s all in vein; I prey to God every day that my children won’t end up another statistic. AFFIDAVIT As a child I was raised in a Domestic Violent household; I was written off as a compulsive liar upon attempting to complain to authorities in the area of education, ultimately discouraging me from pursing further complaints. As an adult I attracted abusive partners, in particular, the fathers of both my children and spent the best years of my life trying to break the vicious cycle of Domestic Violence, defying the laws of attraction. In trying to break the Cycle of Domestic Violence, I was quickly ostracised by family members/parents and siblings, ultimately placing limitations on my level of support and socially isolating me against my will. I broke comfort zones and travelled across the country with my two children escaping Domestic Violence, with the mindset of giving my children a life free from abuse; a different way and a better opportunity. Over the years I have worked hard to earn an honest income, self funded regression therapy and completed parenting courses on my own accord to better my parenting standards and provide a level of care second to none. My political views coupled with a strong sense for justice has motivated me to file formal complaints where it compromises my children’s safety and well being, in particular against corrupt police officers and governing bodies alike, against authorities known to my abusive ex-partner/s. In attempt to right a wrong, I have been subjected to unlawful discrimination, corruption and corporate bullying tactics beyond my control, constructively silencing me and compromising my safety/protection. I have previously gained documentation under the Freedom of Information Act from the Department of Child Protection. It insinuates that I suffer from a drug induced mental illness, am depressed and possibly suicidal; under the circumstances, it is not unreasonable to assume that I have been subjected to constant monitoring that I am unable to fund proof of. Such heavy monitoring deprives one of LIBERTY, PRIVACY, ENJOYMENT, INCOME AND FREEDOM OF SPEACH AND MOVEMENT; subjecting one to STALKING THROUGH HARRASSMENT, DEFAMATION OF CHARACTER, INTIMIDATION, BETRAYAL AND CALCULATED DECEPTION. I am educated, a Multimedia Graphic Designer, own and operate my own business and home school my youngest child due to a learning difficulty for which there is limited government funding. I have a strong athletic background, exercise regularly and feel as though I am in perfect health. I am not on drugs, nor have I ever had a drug problem; I am not an alcoholic, nor have I ever had an alcohol problem; I am not on medication nor do I need it. My ex-partner, who comes from a wealthy background, has made attempts, by my children’s own admissions, to indecently assault/interfere sexually with them. When I tried to approach his mother for support, I was labelled paranoid and mentally unstable. I am suspicious of his constant trips to Thailand and concerned, for the safety of my children in his presence. I am concerned with his silent contacts and strong bonds in the Police Force and in the Department of Child Protection, should I continue to refuse him my child/ren; possibly making way for further collusion, abuse of power of position and corruption. Upon attempting to complain about stalking to a neighbouring police station in Victoria, the senior sergeant in charge, was quick to isolate me in the front room of the police station in the presence of both my children. He ordered me to stop faxing my complaints to head office and further threatened to report me to the department of child protection and order a psychiatric assessment on my behalf, effectively preventing me from further complaining and considering my options in taking out a restraining order against my ex-partner, the father of my son. My ex-partner’s behaviour towards me and my children was overall abusive, physically, emotionally and mentally. I was compelled to stay because of my diminished self-esteem, lacked support and was neglected by my own parents, who had their own problems of Domestic Violence; I was desperately seeking security and love at a time when I was most vulnerable. He has refused claiming ownership of my son, failing to sign the birth certificate/birth registration form/s and handed over to me, complete custody on legal documentation; I have been previously warned by him not to touch his money in relation to maintenance responsibilities/payments. Although we never lived together, I suspect my ex-partner, the father of my son, is suffering from a split personality disorder and anxiety with obsessive tendencies. During our relationship, there were instances where he would order me to answer the phone when it was not ringing and open the front door when there was no one knocking. He has made admissions to me of his prolonged drug use and may be in need of psychiatric care, however he is a man of influence and proving him wrong is a great challenge for the ordinary person. Following custody battles with my daughter’s father in 1997, coupled with childhood stress of Domestic Violence, I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, for which medication was not deemed necessary. I pursued counselling on my own accord in attempt to resolve/correct (according to the diagnosis), issues of guilt, grief, personal disempowerment, the future, assertiveness, personal rights and relationships. It is my experience that STRESS derived from the addictive abusive nature of Domestic Violence, irrespective of concurrent diagnosis, is managed well if the person on the receiving end seeks to increase their awareness and is committed to their recovery and the breaking of co-dependent relationship patterns. I believe that my current condition, if/any, results from the reaction of a healthy mind to extraordinary stimuli. IN SUMMARY: SOMETHING HAS GOT TO BE DONE; WE HAVE TRIED SHARING THE KIDS WITH FATHERS BUT IT’S NOT WORKING FOR EVERYONE, CHILDREN IN PARTICULAR WHO ARE LOOSING THEIR LIVES OVER IT. I SAY, GIVE THE CHIDREN BACK TO THEIR MOTHERS WHERE THEY BELONG, THERE SHOULD BE NO DISPUTE OVER WHAT NATURE HAD INTENEDED. I’m sorry I can-not be named because without a lawyer I would just be subject to further victimisation, a further reduction of living standards and further deprivation of liberty (speech and movement), and more corruption we don’t need. Regards, Yummy Mummy Anne

RIP Baby girl, let Angels watch over you xxxx Condolences to your family

Rebbecca

15 years ago

condolences

May you sing and dance to this song little one. Rest In Peace Little angel xoxox There's an old Australian stockman, lying, dying, and he gets himself up on one elbow, and he turns to his mates, who are gathered 'round him and he says: Watch me wallabys feed mate. Watch me wallabys feed. They're a dangerous breed mate. So watch me wallabys feed. Altogether now! Tie me kangaroo down sport, tie me kangaroo down. Tie me kangaroo down sport, tie me kangaroo down. Keep me cockatoo cool, Curl, keep me cockatoo cool. Don't go acting the fool, Curl, just keep me cockatoo cool. Altogether now! Take me koala back, Jack, take me koala back. He lives somewhere out on the track, Mac, so take me koala back. Altogether now! Let me Abos go loose, Lou, * let me Abos go loose. They're of no further use, Lou, so let me Abos go loose. Altogether now! Mind me platypus duck, Bill, mind me platypus duck. Don't let him go running amok, Bill, mind me platypus duck. Altogether now! Play your digeridoo, Blue, play your digeridoo. Keep playing 'til I shoot thro' Blue, play your digerydoo. Altogether now! Tan me hide when I'm dead, Fred, tan me hide when I'm dead. So we tanned his hide when he died Clyde, And that's it hanging on the shed. Altogether now!

I never knew you, but yet my heart is filled with sadness and eyes filled with tears. You were such a beautiful young girl. You lived life to the fullest. You are in a better place now. May you have endless play dates with your teddys and everlasting energy to play tennis. My condolence goes out to your mum, brothers, uncles, aunties and extended family. You are a beautiful girl Darcey, may your smile brighten the lifes of us who are still here. Rest In Peace Beautiful Angel

I never knew you, but yet my heart is filled with sadness and my eyes are filled with tears. You were such a cute little girl who lived life to the fullest. My you rest in peace little angel, you are in a better place. May you have endless play times with teddies and ever lasting energy to play tennis. My condolence goes out to your Mum, brothers, uncles, aunties and extended family. Your smile will for always brighten up the lives of us that are left. Rest In Peace Beautiful Girl

To precious for this earth. Now in the arms of an angel. All my love to your Mummy, brothers, family and friends. Rest Peacefully Beautiful Angel Darcey.

rest little angel..wen i herd ur story i cryed...so wateva happens next dnt worry because your family loves u....so sweet little angel rest ur eyes peacefully.......mwah xoxoxox

Dear Darcey, Little Darcey may you always be the angel up above and the brightest star that lights up the sky. May God keep you forever and always and let you know just how special you are. You will never be forgotton sweetheart, you will always have a special place in my heart. R.I.P my angel XOXO

Gerardene Roberts

15 years ago

Rest in peace Little Angel xx

my heart goes out to the freeman family rip little angel

my heart goes out too the freeman family rip little angel

You will never been far from your mother's loving arms, your brothers strong arms and our arms around you. Be safe little one, my little four year old who started school shares her enjoyment with you. Watch and enjoy through her eyes. You will never be alone. My kindest thoughts for your mum and family from me, my daughter and her 2 brothers. Stay safe.

You poor little darling, i feel so sorry for your family. These horrendus tragedies need to stop. Someone needs to do something about this. I cant get it out of my head, i cant imagine how the people who saw this happen feel. may god hold you in the palm of his hand little one. god bless all involved.

Rest in Peace little one, your suffering is no more and now you are home. To Darcys family , i amongst many offer my condolences at this tragic time ........... in our hearts forever .

Sleep peacefully little princess. We will never forget you.

Rest on beautiful. Such a tragic way to leave such a tragic world but you are in a better place now.

My sincerest and hearfelt condolences to Mum and family. I cannot imagine the pain you are feeling. I hope Darcy is having fun and is carefree in a better place watched over by angels, fairies and surrounded in loving warmth. Sweet dreams little girl, you are loved by all.

Darcey Iris im so so sorry that ur dad killed u you are an litte angel of god im sorry that u missed ur 1st day of school to ur mom im very sorry that u lost your litte angel Darcey God bless You and Ur family Darcey Ur dad is Evil

With a cheeky smile and beautiful eyes, your picture has brought another tear to my eye. you are a gorgeous little girl Darcey, 1 that will always be in our hearts. Deepest condolences to Darceys family & friends.

WIth a cheeky smile & gorgeous eyes i was instantly brought to tears when i seen your photo. You are a beautiful little girl and will be remembered for years to come. Pls watch over your brothers for they will need your guidance. My deepest condolences.

We cannot imagine the pain you must be going through or the fear that went through that precious little girl. Our hearts and tears go out to the family. Rest in peace little one xxooo

The pain of loss will never leave nor the memory of the one we love so dear, but as we find new divinity in each day the pain will fade to become bearable. I can only imagine how Darcy's family and Mother must feel right now, as a mother myself of two precious girls and a sister of a beautiful brother lost tragically at age 5, my heart and thoughts are with you. Find strength and feel blessed to have ever been so close to such a precious life. Try not to spend the time on the 'why' and 'how' rather use the energy to love and support, to celebrate and appreciate the gift of life, bless her free spirit wherever she is now across the universe now. Until you meet again, With Love and Sincerity

Rest in Peace precious jewel beautiful angel 'Darcey' Peta Ben and Jack, and family and friends of Darcey I can't express in words my sadness for you all, hopefully this poem will. May there always be an angel by your side. Watching out for you in all the things you do Reminding you to keep believing in brighter days Finding ways for your wishes and dreams to take you beautiful places Giving you hope that is as certain as the sun Giving you the strength of serenity as your guide May you always have love and comfort and courage And may you always have an angel by your side May you always have an angel by your side Someone there to catch you if you fall Encouraging your dreams Inspiring your happiness Holding your hand and helping you through it all. In all of our days, our lives are always changing Tears come along as well as smiles Along the roads you travel, may the miles be a thousand times more lovely than lonely, May they give you gifts that never, ever end: someone wonderful to love and a dear friend in whom you can confide May you have rainbows after every storm May you have hopes to keep you warm. And may you always have an angel by your side. R.I.P. beautiful little angel 'Darcey' Prayers to her family now and always xxxxxx Prayers to her family now and always xxxxxx

To Darcey's mother, Peta, As the mother of two girls I cannot imagine the grief you are feeling now. I have cried many tears for you and for your children and what you and they must have been feeling in those last moments. My friends have cried tears for you, and my family has cried for you. Words come up short now, but I hope that you find comfort in knowing how many people are thinking of you, your beautiful Darcey, and your two sons. May God hold you close and help you heal.

My condolences to her family. God bless you sleep peacefully little one.

Very, very sad. Can stop crying for you Darcey.

Gone from view I am standing on the shore a boat lifts her anchor, spreads her sails to the breeze and starts out to sea. She seemed beautiful and strong in the harbor but now looks frail and vulnerable in the vastness of the ocean. I watch her journey until she is no longer visible to the naked eye and I think…… ”She’s gone….but where”? Gone from view, that’s all. I realise that somewhere angels are watching her arrival and welcoming her with open arms. My deepest condolences to Darcy's family and friends.

TI AMERO' COME UNA FIGLIA,SAI OGGI HO VISTO PER LA PRIMA VOLTA LA TUA FOTO... SEI BELLA COME UN' ANGELO. SEI SEMPRE NEI MIEI PENSIERI ANCHE SE SONO MOLTO TRISTE E ADDOLORATO. TI VORRO' BENE PER SEMPRE. CIAO DARCEY MICHELE VINCENTI (ITALIA)