MTPC: Trans woman brutally beaten in Chelsea

Unidentified victim expected to survive violent attack.

A transgender woman was badly beaten in Chelsea, MA on Feb. 27, according to the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC). The woman, who was not identified in the MTPC's press release, is currently hospitalized in critical condition, but is expected to recover.

The Suffolk DA's office released the following statement:

"State Police detectives assigned to Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley's office and Chelsea Police detectives are seeking a vehicle in connection with a violent physical assault early this morning on Parker Street. The vehicle is described as a four-door, gray car, possibly a Nissan Altima or an Audi and possibly manufactured in the early 2000s, with red numbered license plates. Authorities believe the driver of the vehicle, a dark-haired adult male between 5'7" and 5'10" with a medium build, may have information helpful to investigators.

"Police say the victim was violently beaten in the area of 99 Parker St. shortly before 2:00 this morning. She was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital in critical condition but is now expected to survive. Anyone with information on the car, its driver, or the incident itself is urged to call Chelsea Police detectives at (617) 466-4843 or the Suffolk County State Police Detective Unit at (617) 727-8817. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous may also call the Chelsea Police CrimeStoppers tip line at (617) 466-4880, text the word CHELSEA and their information to TIP411 (847-411), or submit information online to the Chelsea Police Department's website."

The MTPC released a press statement calling for fair and accurate reporting on the incident.

"Victims of crimes, especially brutal attacks such as the one this woman sustained this past weekend, deserve to be treated with respect by media outlets. Using sensational phrases such as 'man dressed as woman' in headlines and news stories, or referring to the victim with incorrect pronouns denigrates transgender victims," said Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition executive director Gunner Scott. "Additionally, disclosing the victim's former name, or a name they no longer use, can put that victim at greater risk for further harm by outing them as transgender to the general public."

"This kind of violence is outrageous and has no place in our Commonwealth," said Kara Suffredini, executive director of MassEquality. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim, and we implore our lawmakers to go on record opposing violence and discrimination against transgender people by finally passing the Transgender Equal Rights Bill."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim of this brutal crime, a transgender woman who was brought to Massachusetts General Hospital in critical condition after the attack. We hope her assailant is swiftly taken into custody and brought to justice," read a statement released by the Transgender Equal Rights Coalition. "We expect the Chelsea Police Department and the Suffolk County District Attorney's office to fully investigate the circumstances of this horrific crime -- including whether or not it was motivated by bias toward the victim based on her gender identity and expression. Transgender people are often targeted for hate violence and these crimes tend to be particularly violent -- as was the assault on the victim in Chelsea. According to news reports, she was kicked repeatedly, dragged from her assailant's car, and beaten with a chain." The organization also echoed Scott's call for fair and accurate reporting.