A mother who is mourning her daughter’s tragic death due to prolonged domestic abuse is advocating for the implementation of a new law in honor of her daughter. Angela Dawes is supporting the campaign for “Kiena’s Law” after her 23-year-old daughter passed away in July 2022 following significant 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 petition aims to introduce a fresh criminal offense of domestic abuse-related suicide, acknowledging situations where sustained coercive and controlling conduct leads a victim to take their own life. Angela emphasized at a recent event in Blackpool that the proposed law could potentially prevent other families from enduring similar heartbreaking losses.
Expressing the importance of such legislation, Angela stated, “Having a distinct charge for instances like what my daughter endured is incredibly significant. While nothing can bring back my child, instigating positive changes could prevent other families from suffering as we have. My daughter did not desire death; she wanted to live. However, she lived in constant fear.”
Kiena tragically lost her life on a railway line in Lancashire in July 2022 after enduring a two-year relationship with Wellings. During Wellings’ trial at Preston Crown Court, the court learned of the physical assaults Kiena endured, including slapping, hair pulling, and verbal and financial abuse.
In a note left before her demise, Kiena described herself as “murdered” by Wellings, indicating he had “killed” her and destroyed her remaining strength, robbing her of her future. Wellings was acquitted of manslaughter but convicted of coercive and controlling behavior and assault, resulting in a six-and-a-half-year prison sentence starting January 2025.
Since her daughter’s tragic passing, Angela has committed herself to advocate in memory of Kiena and other victims of similar circumstances. She emphasized, “Changes must be enacted. Women should not have to sacrifice their lives to be heard, as my daughter did. There was widespread victim blaming.”
The campaign is also advocating for the inclusion of coercive and controlling behavior in the dangerous offender framework. Clive Grunshaw, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, commended Angela’s determination to drive reforms, emphasizing that Kiena’s story has resonated with people far beyond Lancashire.
The initiative seeks to address a crucial gap in the legal system, focusing on the recognition of the severe consequences of coercive and controlling behavior in cases of domestic abuse-related suicide. Frank Mullane MBE, CEO of Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA), highlighted the importance of acknowledging the impact of such abuse and the necessity to prevent future tragedies.
Clive Grunshaw urged continued support for the petition, emphasizing the need to enhance protections for victims of domestic abuse and ensure robust support for women and girls seeking assistance. He encouraged individuals to engage with the petition to keep this vital conversation at the forefront of public discourse and political consideration.