CRG 24/16-17: Understanding Crime and Justice in Torres Strait Islander Communities

Published Date
CRG Report Number
2416-17

Report to the Criminology Research Advisory Council

This project represents the first unique study of crime and justice in the Torres Strait region. While there has been much research into Indigenous crime and justice, previous research draws largely on Aboriginal peoples, who are culturally distinct from Torres Strait Islanders. The Torres Strait region offers an opportunity to observe how justice is practised in diverse remote contexts. Through statistical analysis and qualitative fieldwork involving local service providers and community members, this study documents crime rates, community and customary justice practices, as well as impediments to justice, to identify best practices specific to the Torres Strait region.