Doctors Reform Society of Australia
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by Joan Winch

Background

Despite improved infrastructure and backup resources, little has been gained in Aboriginal child and youth health. While welfare and police attention has increased significantly (Beresford & Omaji, 1996), substance use and other forms of antisocial behaviour are fast becoming a way of life for these young people who see no other way out of the present milieu. This sets up a cycle of police harassment, court appearances and incarceration that have debilitating effects on children from an early age (Crime Research Centre 1995). The ultimate price, when there is no way out, is often suicide. Defiance is demonstrated in many ways including high speed chases in stolen cars, drug overdoses, or ‘death wish’ behaviour which encompasses over indulgence in alcohol and drugs leading to depression and death. Young males are usually the main group involved and invariably this behaviour destroys the possibility of a stable social life for the rest of their lives (Groome & Hamilton, 1995; Dodson, 1991). New laws are continually being directed at young Aboriginal offenders.

We have moved backwards towards one hundred years ago when the strongest young men were hunted down and incarcerated - some still pay the ultimate price with their life. Give a thought about how it feels to live under constant surveillance every time you step outside the front door. In my current research I am trying to unfold the dreams of young Aboriginal people.

The full text of this article is not currently available online. Contact Carol at the DRS national office for more information.

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			This page was last updated on 28th February, 2003.
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