A mother who lost her daughter to suicide due to prolonged domestic abuse is advocating for a new law in her daughter’s honor. Angela Dawes is supporting the campaign for “Kiena’s Law” after her 23-year-old daughter passed away in July 2022 following a sustained period of abuse by 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 establish a new criminal offense termed domestic abuse-related suicide, which acknowledges situations where persistent coercive and controlling behavior leads to a victim taking their own life. Speaking at an event in Blackpool recently, Angela expressed that the proposed legislation could help prevent other families from enduring similar tragedies.
Angela emphasized the importance of having a specific charge for the type of abuse her daughter endured, stating, “My girl didn’t want to die. My girl wanted to live. But she lived in fear.” She urged for changes to prevent more tragedies like her daughter’s and encouraged continued efforts towards reform.
Kiena tragically died on a railway line in Lancashire in July 2022 after enduring abuse from Wellings during their two-year relationship. Wellings, who was acquitted of manslaughter but convicted of coercive and controlling behavior and assault, received a six-and-a-half-year prison sentence in January 2025.
Since her daughter’s untimely death, Angela has committed to advocating in memory of Kiena and others who have faced similar circumstances. She stressed the necessity for changes to prevent victims from having to pay with their lives to be heard, highlighting the prevalence of victim-blaming in such cases.
The campaign is also pushing for coercive and controlling behavior to be included in the dangerous offender framework. Clive Grunshaw commended Angela’s determination in driving these reforms forward, emphasizing the need to enhance protections for victims and provide support for women and girls seeking help.
For those in need of mental health support, the Samaritans can be reached at 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org. Confidential assistance is also available through the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline at 0808 2000 247 or by visiting womensaid.co.uk. AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) offers specialized support for those who have lost loved ones due to fatal domestic abuse.
