Black incarceration
The main reason for the large number of Aboriginal deaths in custody (547 deaths in the 32 years and 3 months since the findings of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody) is the extremely high incarceration rate of Indigenous people (although comprising 3.2% of the total Australian population, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 32% of the prison population, a rate that has generally been rising year after year).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are respectfully advised that this article contains references to people who have passed away. For those accessing and using this article, the details contained herein are of a highly sensitive nature and we ask you to be respectful of the cultural sensitivities of the living relatives and friends of those whose deaths are recorded in this article. If this article raises any concerns for you or someone you know, please contact your local doctors’ health service; Lifeline on 13 11 14; or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 (in Australia). If you are outside Australia, you may obtain help in your country by visiting Befrienders Worldwide at www.befrienders.org
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This blog is dedicated to decarceration in Australia. Our incarceration rate is high, yet imprisonment is costly, ineffective and damaging.
There are better alternatives!
