Violence in Aboriginal communities is one issue that many do not wish to talk about. But if we don't acknowledge the problem, we won't be able to address it, writes Anthony Dillon.

The news in The Australian this week about the impacts of violence on people living in remote communities, particularly Aboriginal people, is distressing.

Equally distressing is the statistic reported by the ABC on Tuesday that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are 34 times more likely to be hospitalised and 11 times more likely to die from an assault.

However, it is encouraging that it is at least being spoken about. If it is not acknowledged, then it cannot be addressed.

Violence in Aboriginal communities is one issue that many do not wish to talk about. Why is that? Is it because it destroys the image we like to hold of Aboriginal people leading peaceful happy lives where they live 'on country' and off the land? Is it because we are told Aboriginal people must manage their own affairs and non-Aboriginal people are therefore not allowed to intervene, or even voice an opinion? This empty rhetoric of self-determination and clinging to a romanticised view of Aboriginal culture does not seem to be working.

News about violence in Aboriginal communities is not new. A report by the Institute of Criminology in 2013 stated that "Rates of violent victimisation among Indigenous Australians are two to three times higher than rates among non-Indigenous Australians and this rises to four to six times higher in the case of family violence".

More than a decade ago, Mick Dodson stated:

Violence is undermining our life's very essence, it is destroying us, and there are very few Aboriginal families that are not struggling with the debilitating effects of trauma, despair and damage resulting from their experiences with violence.

Prominent Aboriginal politician and passionate crusader against violence Bess Price has stated:

I have lived with violence all of my life. Many of my relatives have been either victims or perpetrators of what is called grievous bodily harm, some of homicide.

Bess goes on to say, "We Aboriginal people have to acknowledge the truth." Her last point is important because, sadly, there are too many in denial of the truth. Denial does not help.

The first step towards solving this problem of violence is to cease the denial. While some are discussing the violence that plagues some Aboriginal communities, I have observed that far too often in discussions about violence among Aboriginal people a common response is, "Yeah, but violence is in the non-Aboriginal population as well." This is true. Interestingly, when discussing the problem of diabetes within the Aboriginal community, I have never heard anyone retort, "Yeah, but diabetes is in the non-Aboriginal population as well." Yes, violence (like diabetes) is present to varying degrees in all communities, but it is undeniable that the rates are far higher in Aboriginal communities.

Perhaps even sadder is that when Bess Price has spoken out against the violence, she has been criticised and slandered from within the Aboriginal community.

The second step is to focus on helping Aboriginal communities become economically sustainable. This does not mean abandoning traditional ways and mindsets; nor does it entail assimilation. It means a focus on good education and real jobs - not pretend jobs.

In a recent paper by the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research focusing on Aboriginal employment, its authors argued convincingly that in addition to the obvious economic benefits of employment, there are what they call "second round benefits" such as improved mental and physical health, improved children's developmental outcomes, higher rates of home ownership, and a lower likelihood of being a victim of crime. Employment provides individuals with opportunities for connecting with others and contributing to the good of others. Knowing that one makes a valuable contribution to others is the bedrock of healthy robust feelings of high self-worth. And feelings of high self-worth are the best prevention of violence and other self-defeating behaviours.

Problems in Aboriginal Australia are problems in Australia. These are issues that all Australians have a right - and a duty - to be interested in. The Commonwealth has made a recent large financial investment in tackling domestic violence. While a portion of that money can be used for shelters and legal services, the bulk of it should be invested 'upstream' to help lift people, whether Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal people, out of poverty into places where there is opportunity - opportunity to learn, grow, work, and play. This is the Aussie way.

Anthony Dillon identifies as a part-Aboriginal Australian and is a researcher with the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education at the Australian Catholic University.