Black deaths in custody

WHEN people bring attention to black deaths in custody and higher rates of incarceration for Aborigines, they are missing the point of why this is happening.

With domestic violence including assault and sexual assault, Aborigines are over represented in ABS figures by two to fives times given their percentage of the whole population and depending on the state or territory.

There should be much more effort put into crime prevention by the Aboriginal community themselves given that there is a large percentage in remote locations.

Crime prevention will have the biggest influence on deaths in custody.

There must be more self-help in fixing the problems in all communities, both black, white and any other colour you like to choose.

No government authority can help individuals who do not help themselves, no matter their race or religion.

You do not have to commit crimes against your loved ones or any person in your community. It is a personal choice.

Violence is not the solution to any problem, but prison sentences are appropriate for those who commit serious crimes against others.

The police are employed to keep law and order in our society and do make mistakes, but the majority are honest people who do their job to the best standard possible.

William Holme, Bentley Park

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