Department of the Attorney-General and Justice
Visitors to the Darwin Correctional Precinct will now see anoutstanding example of how prisoners have engaged in an anti-domestic violenceprogram with the unveiling of a new prisoner art work.
The art installation project involved more than 30 male andfemale prisoners in the Darwin Correctional Centre as part of the No Morecampaign and were involved in all stages from the original design to the construction, painting,landscaping and installation.
No More is a grassroots campaign founded by ABC sportscommentator Charlie King in 2008 to create a future free from family violence.
NT Correctional Services Commissioner Scott McNairn says heis impressed by the way prisoners have responded to rehabilitation programsthat are aimed at helping men and women develop ways of resolving conflict thatdo not involve violence.
The Territory has alarmingly high rates of violent crimes,and one of the highest rates of domestic violence in Australia, Mr McNairnsays. The human cost is enormous and it impacts everyone from families towhole communities.
The vast majority of prisoners in NT correctionalfacilities are there because their most serious crime is violence againstanother person.
Correctional Services welcomes the opportunity to work withthe No More campaign team to deliver important rehabilitation programs thatwill help prisoners make better decisions when they finish their sentences andreturn to the community.
The No More initiatives also support prisoners to care andlook after families in a positive way which in turn helps develop asense of self-worth and pride.
Correctional Services is also progressing a major reformprogram which will improve prisoner rehabilitation and support services.
Mr King says men need to stand up as individuals and ingroups within their community and take ownership for finding solutions tofamily violence.
Using a team sport like football brings men together andprovides a platform where men can talk about issues and share solutions to helpdrive and reinforce long term changes, Mr King says.
Fast Facts:
- In 2018-19 in the NT, 1895 prisoners weresentenced for violent crimes: 1764 males and 131 females. This represent 63 percent of the total prison population for that year.
- In 2018-19 in the NT, 87 per cent of prisonerswere Aboriginal and 67 per cent of those prisoners were serving sentences for aviolent crime.
- Darwin Correctional Centre prisoner numbers asat 15 July 2019: Male 987, Female 75.
