Inquest into death of Miss Yunupiŋu lays bare issues fuelling domestic violence crisis in the Northern Territory

Desperate, isolated and under crushing pressure, a 29-year-old woman gave up everything to protect her family. Neil Marika’s violence towards his partner Miss Yunupiŋu had escalated to a point where he assaulted her "in front of members of the community", the inquest into her death has heard. When he was sentenced in 2020 to nine years in jail for Miss Yunupiŋu's manslaughter, Supreme Court Justice Peter Barr said Marika had grown up watching male relatives go to prison for violence against women. Family and domestic violence support services: If you need help immediately call emergency services on triple-0 1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732 Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811 Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491 Lifeline: 131 114 It was clear to the court this week, despite the Northern Territory having the highest rates of incarceration in the country, prison did not work the way it was intended. " DV calls 'overwhelming' police Photo shows Police officer looks away from camera at a press conference Acting Commissioner Michael Murphy says the demand on NT police from domestic violence reports is "incredible".