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Girl, 11, takes her own life after alleged sexual abuser is released on bail

The devastated family of an 11-year-old girl who took her own life in Western Australia believe she was left traumatised after her alleged abuser was granted bail.

The Noongar girl, who cannot be named, died in Perth Children's Hospital on Tuesday after being flown in from a regional town.

More than a hundred family members and loved ones had gathered at the hospital, some sleeping in their cars, to farewell her.

Her death came just weeks after a man accused of sexually abusing her was arrested and granted bail which was renewed in court.

The elderly man is facing more than a dozen charges including sexual penetration of a child under 13 and indecent dealing.

The silhouette of a woman walking on a road as the sun sets. Source: Getty
The devastated family of an 11-year-old girl who took her own life in Western Australia believe she was left traumatised after her alleged abuser was granted bail. Source: Getty

He will return to court later this year.

National Suicide Prevention and Trauma Recovery Project (NSPTRP) director Megan Krakouer, who has been with the girl's family in hospital, said they were shattered.

"Their lives are ruined and they are forever heartbroken," she told AAP.

"She was failed by a number of organisations and a number of departments.

"What I did see at that hospital is there were so many little children crying and hurting. It broke my heart."

Call to change laws for repeat child sex offenders

NSPTRP director Gerry Georgatos said laws needed to be changed so alleged repeat child sex offenders were not granted bail.

"No one should be bailed as a multiple offender, a repeat offender, because they are a higher risk," he said.

"That seared fear into the heart of the family and into the heart of the child, according to the family, and may have led to this child's self-harm."

Health Minister Roger Cook said he expected there to be a government investigation into what he described as a tragic event.

"When a small girl who clearly feels vulnerable and hopeless ... takes her life, it strikes at the heart of all our sense of humanity," he said.

Pictured is the Perth Children's Hospital. Source: GoogleMaps
The Noongar girl, who cannot be named, died in Perth Children's Hospital on Tuesday after being flown in from a regional town. Source: GoogleMaps

"My understanding is there was an element of counselling and some supports that were available – we need to look at if that was appropriate. I'm sure the justice system will look at the way that the bail and other court arrangements were handled, as well."

Mr Cook said the government's focus was on delivering culturally tailored suicide prevention strategies in Aboriginal communities.

Advocates say it isn't working.

"We are meeting and reaching families that aren't being provided that support," Ms Krakoeur said, adding that NSPTRP had assisted 12,500 people since September.

"Right now in its current form, it is failing dismally and left behind are my First Nations people."

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

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