Aboriginal mothers in Western Australia are 17.5 times more likely to die from homicide than other mothers in the state, researchers at Perth's Telethon Kids Institute have found.
Their study, published in BMC Public Health, also found indigenous mothers were 6.4 times more likely to die from accidents and 3.4 times more likely to die from suicide.
About half of these elevated risks were explained by poorer socioeconomic circumstances and residential location.
The researchers also found the median age of death by any external cause for Aboriginal mothers was 33 compared to 36.5 for deceased non-Aboriginal mothers, and they usually left behind more and younger children.
The median age of the youngest child at the time of their mother's death from any external cause was 4.8 years.
"This is a period when children are particularly vulnerable, and where the circumstances leading to and arising from a maternal loss can have profoundly negative consequences for social and emotional wellbeing," the study read.
"Trauma in early life can also lead to onward problems with substance abuse, self-harming, suicide, anti-social behaviour, and other adversities into adult-hood."
The findings show Aboriginal mothers are a particularly at-risk group and require high levels of support.
Promoting healthy mental wellbeing, preventing and managing substance abuse, reducing domestic violence and the stresses associated with the persistent marginalisation of Aboriginal people in Australian society were central to reducing that risk, the institute's Glenn Pearson said.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
Local Aboriginal Medical Service available from www.vibe.com.au.
National domestic violence helpline: 1800 737 732 or 1800RESPECT. In an emergency call triple-zero.
