The alleged murder of a Yolŋu girl in East Arnhem Land in a suspected domestic violence incident has prompted community leaders to speak out against the "completely unacceptable" issue of violence.
On Monday, Northern Territory Police said a 17-year-old girl had been found dead in Galiwin'ku — a Yolŋu community on Elcho Island — after receiving a report shortly after 11 am that she was unconscious.
A 34-year-old man was arrested, with police alleging the two knew each other. They are treating the death as a domestic violence incident.
After an autopsy was completed this week, NT Police charged the man on Thursday with one count of murder. He is expected to appear before Darwin Local Court on Friday.
"This has been a complex investigation, and our investigations indicate the deceased has died of blunt forced injuries," Detective Acting Superintendent Paul Lawson said.
"A young woman has lost her life, and our thoughts are with her family and community. Our local members remain in the community and are working closely with those affected. Police would like to thank the community for their assistance during this period.
"A file will also be prepared for the Coroner."
East Arnhem Regional Council President Lapulung Dhamarrandji, Deputy President Stephen Dhamarrandji, Councillor Marrpalawuy Marika and Councillor Ganygulpa Dhurrkay met in the wake of the girl's death, releasing a statement condemning the violence and offering condolences to the girl's family, community and clan.
"Our Council representatives are strong and united in making clear this violence does not reflect traditional Yolŋu culture and is completely unacceptable," Lapulung Dhamarrandji said.
"Domestic violence is not our way. In our culture, women are sacred. They need to be nurtured. Women are the bearers of life, they need to be honoured and respected."
He said the council and local communities were "committed" to working with NT Police, Premier Lia Finocchiaro and the CLP Government to "tackle domestic violence and other crime".
"We value the role of the Police. We support there being more Police Officers, based in community," he added.
Ganygulpa Dhurrkay said the acts of violence are not a part of Yolŋu culture. She said family and community members needed to "call out violence when they see it".
"This issue can't go any further. We can't turn a blind eye. There are bäyŋu (no) consequences," she said.
"People are not getting consequences, and it happens again and again. Families need to love and care for each other."
In a joint statement, Yalu Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Jasmine Yunupingu and CEO Anahita Tonkin said real action is needed.
"This type of violence doesn't belong anywhere in the world. It's a global problem and we all need to stand up," they said.
"It's time men, elders and leaders step up with us against family violence."
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