A mother grieving the loss of her daughter is supporting the push for a new legislation named after her daughter, who tragically took her own life following extended domestic abuse.
Angela Dawes is advocating for “Kiena’s Law” in memory of her 23-year-old daughter, who passed away in July 2022 after enduring prolonged abuse from her former partner, Ryan Wellings. The initiative, spearheaded by Lancaster Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, has garnered nearly 19,000 signatures.
The proposed law seeks to establish a distinct criminal offense for domestic abuse-related suicides, acknowledging situations where persistent coercive and controlling conduct leads a victim to end their own life. Angela emphasized the significance of this law at an event in Blackpool, highlighting its potential to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies.
Expressing her sentiments, Angela stressed the importance of having specific charges for the type of abuse her daughter endured, emphasizing the necessity of preventing future occurrences of such tragedies. She emphasized that her daughter did not choose to die but lived in fear, underscoring the need for proactive measures to protect vulnerable individuals.
Kiena tragically died in Lancashire in July 2022 following a tumultuous two-year relationship with Wellings. During Wellings’ trial at Preston Crown Court, evidence revealed his pattern of physical assault, verbal and financial abuse towards Kiena.
In a poignant note left before her demise, Kiena described herself as “murdered” by Wellings and expressed the profound impact of his actions on her well-being. Wellings was ultimately convicted of coercive and controlling behavior and assault, serving a sentence of six-and-a-half years starting January 2025.
Since her daughter’s untimely passing, Angela has committed to advocating for reforms in memory of Kiena and other victims of similar circumstances. She emphasized the urgency of preventing tragedies like her daughter’s and the need to address victim-blaming.
The campaign also advocates for including coercive and controlling behavior within the dangerous offender framework. Clive Grunshaw, the Police and Crime Commissioner, commended Angela’s persistence in driving change, recognizing the broad impact of Kiena’s story within Lancashire and beyond.
Recognizing the critical need for reform, Grunshaw highlighted the importance of continued learning, enhancing victim protections, and providing robust support systems for women and girls seeking assistance. He urged individuals to support the petition and maintain the conversation on domestic abuse-related suicide at the forefront of public discourse.
For mental health support, individuals can contact the Samaritans at 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org for local branches. For confidential assistance, the National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline can be reached at 0808 2000 247 or through womensaid.co.uk. AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) offers specialized support for families affected by fatal domestic abuse, with more information available at www.aafda.org.uk.
