This essay reflects on the brutal realities of incarceration, particularly for Indigenous women in Australia. It begins with the tragic death of Selesa Tafaifa, who was killed in custody, highlighting the inhumanity of the prison system. The authors, both formerly incarcerated, discuss how their personal experiences in prison fuel their abolitionist activism. They critique the prison-industrial complex, describing it as a mechanism of racial and colonial oppression designed to control and erase marginalised communities. The essay emphasises the importance of solidarity, connection, and community within the abolition movement. It also underscores the need for global solidarity, particularly considering the ongoing genocide in Palestine. The authors advocate for a radical transformation of justice, rooted in the expertise of those most affected by the carceral system. Abolition, they argue, is not just theoretical but a necessary and urgent response to the violence and oppression perpetuated by prisons and the state. Through their work, Lean and Kilroy strive to honour those who have died in custody and to create a world where such injustices no longer occur.

This essay contains the names of deceased Aboriginal people, and will reference carceral violence, death, and state-sanctioned killing. It is impossible to speak about the carceral system, without speaking about the violence of it. Please take care when reading our paper. It is not intended to harm, only to heal.

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