Angela Dawes, mother of 23-year-old Kiena Dawes who took her own life after a prolonged campaign of domestic abuse, has backed a campaign to create a new law in her daughter's name. The 'Kiena's Law' petition, which has almost 19,000 signatures, calls for a new criminal offence of 'domestic abuse-related suicide'.
Background of the Case
Kiena Dawes died on a railway line in Lancashire in July 2022, after a two-year relationship with Ryan Wellings from Bispham. Wellings was tried for manslaughter at Preston Crown Court, where the court heard he regularly physically assaulted her, slapped her, pulled her by her hair, and subjected her to verbal and financial abuse. In her suicide note, Kiena wrote: 'I was murdered. Ryan Wellings killed me. He ruined every bit of strength I had left. I had dreams. I had a future at one point. That was taken away from me.'
Wellings was acquitted of manslaughter but convicted of coercive and controlling behaviour and assault, and was jailed for six-and-a-half years in January 2025.
Campaign for Kiena's Law
Angela Dawes believes the proposed law could help save lives. 'To have a standalone charge for things like what Kiena went through, I do feel is so important,' she said at an event in Blackpool this month. 'Nothing is ever going to bring my baby back, but if we can change things moving forward, I'd hate to see another family go through what we've been through. My girl didn't want to die. My girl wanted to live. But she lived in fear. We've lost a beautiful, very special, kind young girl who's missed so much, not just by me but by so many other people.'
She added: 'Please make changes before girls have to die to be heard. I can't personally save any other girls, but I hope I can help by saying this. Please don't give up, all of you who are working so hard for these changes. Please don't give up. Let's stop losing girls in this way.'
Victim Blaming and Systemic Issues
Since Kiena's death, Angela has vowed to be a voice for Kiena and others who have died in similar circumstances. 'Changes need to be made. Girls shouldn't have to die to be heard, and my daughter had to die to be heard. There was so much victim blaming,' she said. The campaign also calls for including coercive and controlling behaviour within the 'dangerous offender' framework.
Support from Officials and Advocacy Groups
Lancashire Police said the campaign has been spearheaded by Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, who has worked closely with Angela and Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) to raise awareness and press for reform.
Frank Mullane MBE, CEO of AAFDA, said Kiena's case 'exposed a serious gap in the law'. 'Too often, when a victim dies by suicide following prolonged domestic abuse, coercive control and intimidation, the full impact of that abuse is not recognised by the criminal justice system,' he said. 'Angela's courage and determination have helped shine a light on this issue, but this campaign is about much more than one family. Kiena's Law represents an opportunity to recognise the devastating and sometimes fatal consequences of coercive and controlling behaviour, improve accountability and help prevent future deaths. We owe it to Kiena and to every family affected by domestic abuse-related suicide to make that change.'
Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw described Angela as 'courageous and inspiring'. 'Kiena's story has touched people across Lancashire and beyond,' he said. 'We must continue to learn lessons, improve protections for victims and ensure that women and girls are supported when they seek help. I would encourage people to support the petition and help keep this important conversation at the forefront of public and political debate.'
