Five Key Missed Chances to Save Kiena Dawes from Violent Bully Boyfriend
Kiena Dawes faced years of abuse before her tragic death, highlighting systemic failures in protecting victims.
Kiena Dawes, Ryan Wellings, Domestic Abuse, Lancashire, Suicide
Barnacre: Kiena Dawes was found dead on July 22, 2022, by British Transport Police. Her heartbreaking suicide note urged faster police action to save others.
For two years, Kiena endured horrific abuse from her boyfriend, Ryan Wellings. He threatened her life and even attacked her while she was pregnant. Despite calling the police multiple times, they often dismissed her claims, believing her when she downplayed the violence.
After a particularly brutal incident on July 11, 2022, Kiena finally reported Wellings, who was arrested but later released on bail. Just days later, she received a threatening call from him, which the police did not treat as a breach of his bail conditions.
Feeling unsupported and trapped, Kiena wrote her suicide note, expressing hope that her story would lead to better protection for others. Tragically, she took her life, leaving behind a daughter and a plea for change.
Experts are now calling for better recognition of the links between domestic abuse and suicide. They stress that many victims suffer in silence, and the system often fails to protect them adequately.
In the wake of Kiena’s death, there are renewed calls for police to take domestic abuse cases more seriously. Campaigners emphasize that the trauma from such abuse can lead to devastating outcomes, including suicide.
Support services are available for those in similar situations, and it’s crucial for victims to reach out for help. There are pathways to safety, and no one should feel alone in their struggle.