The rates at which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are experiencing violence and being put in prison has reached a crisis point. In the past 10 years we have seen a 57% increase in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people ending up in prison, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now 13 times more likely to be imprisoned than non-Indigenous people. Being placed in prison is all too common for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. But the impact of being in prison can be severe - not just for the individual but also for their family and the whole community. At the same time, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – especially women and children – are experiencing increasing amounts of violence with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women 34 times more likely to be hospitalised as a result of family violence. But it doesn't have to be this way. We need to invest in early intervention, prevention and diversion strategies. These are smarter solutions that increase safety, address the root causes of violence against women, cut reoffending and imprisonment rates, and build stronger and safer communities. We can do this and reduce the cost for all of us as taxpayers. Many of the solutions are already there. Now we need to make it happen, and do so in a way that empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and services to drive these solutions. Together, we can change the record. Together, we can build stronger and safer communities. Join the Change the Record campaign today.
