Indigenous people want violence out of their communities. Here’s a new approach

Researcher Troy Mardigan sits with a ceremony group in the West Daly region. Michaela Spencer, CC BY-NC-ND

Violent crime in Indigenous communities is often the subject of media headlines. It usually results in governments adopting “tough on crime” responses, including increased policing and restricting bail.

Recent data show the toughening of Northern Territory bail laws has led to more Aboriginal people in jails than ever before. At the same time, high levels of violence in remote Aboriginal communities persist.