Aboriginal child suicide crisis: Girl aged just 12 becomes the fifth indigenous child to take her own life in nine days - as a 12-year-old boy fights for life after trying to kill himself
- There have been five cases of indigenous girls taking their own life in nine days
- Most recent case occured Friday when a girl, 12, took her life in South Australia
- Currently a boy, 12, is also fighting for life in hospital from self inflicted injuries
- Do you know more? Email brett.lackey@mailonline.com
A 12-year-old indigenous girl living in a community near Adelaide has taken her own life – making her the fifth Aboriginal girl to commit suicide in nine days.
The wave of reported suicides include three cases in Western Australia, one in Queensland, and the most recent one in South Australia.
Meanwhile, a 12-year-old boy was flown on Monday from Roma to Brisbane where he is on life support in hospital after what is thought to be a suicide attempt, according to The Australian.
A 12-year-old indigenous girl living in a community near Adelaide has taken her own life on Friday – making it the fifth Aboriginal girl to commit suicide in nine days (file picture)
The five most recent cases began on January 3 when a 15-year-old from Western Australia who was visiting relatives in Queensland was admitted to hospital after self harming. She died two days later as a result of her injuries.
On January 4, in South Hedland in Western Australia, a 12-year-old girl took her own life, while two days later on January 6, a 14-year-old girl in the Kimberley region of the Northern Territory also died from suicide.
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A 15-year-old girl from Perth's south also took her own life on January 10 and the most recent case out of the five occured in South Australia on January 11.
Head of the Federal Government's indigenous critical response team Gerry Georgatos said that poverty and lack of education were identified as factors leading to the deaths, but added that sexual assaults were behind one-third of cases.
The wave of reported suicides include three cases in Western Australia, one in Queensland, and the most recent one in South Australia
Indigenous lawyer Hannah McGlade has advised the UN High Commission for Human Rights in Geneva and said there is a clear link between child sexual assault, family violence, and the high levels of indigenous girls and women who were taking their own lives.
'Last year the UN highlighted the level of violence against indigenous women and girls in Australia and called for a specific national action plan,' Dr McGlade told The Australian.
'The people funded to provide suicide prevention plans are not properly addressing the level of sexual violence suffered by our women and girls.'
If you need help call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au. Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
