Many Domestic Abuse Victims Are Driven to Suicide – Law Must Change
Kiena Dawes’ tragic story highlights the urgent need for legal reform in domestic abuse cases
Kiena Dawes, Ryan Wellings, Domestic Abuse, Suicide, Fleetwood, England
Fleetwood: Kiena Dawes tragically took her own life after enduring two and a half years of severe abuse from her ex-partner, Ryan Wellings.
At just 23, Kiena, who had a baby with Wellings, left a heartbreaking note saying, “I was murdered. Ryan Wellings killed me.” It’s gut-wrenching.
This week, a jury found Wellings guilty of assault and coercive behavior but cleared him of manslaughter. It’s a tough pill to swallow.
He was the first person tried for the unlawful killing of a partner after they took their own life due to domestic violence. The numbers are alarming; more people are driven to suicide by their partners than are killed by them.
In England and Wales, 93 people are believed to have taken their lives after being abused between April 2022 and March 2023, while 80 were killed by a partner. It’s a shocking reality.
Many believe these figures don’t tell the whole story. There’s a sense that suicide is more common than homicide in these situations, and research may eventually confirm that.
The police response in Kiena’s case was disheartening. They failed to charge Wellings, allowing him to continue terrorizing her. Kiena’s mother expressed her heartbreak, saying, “I’m sorry justice hasn’t been done.”
Investigations revealed that some officers might face misconduct charges for their handling of Kiena’s reports. It’s about time they were held accountable.
When women like Kiena reach out for help, the police need to step up. Their intervention can literally mean the difference between life and death.
At the Centre for Women’s Justice, we’re working on similar cases, pushing for the justice system to take domestic abuse seriously.
The jury in Kiena’s case may not have fully grasped how Wellings’ actions impacted her. The legal standard is whether his behavior significantly contributed to her tragic decision.
Coercive control is a unique form of abuse, targeting the victim’s vulnerabilities. Wellings seemed to exploit Kiena’s mental health struggles, pushing her to her limits.
It’s not fair for a perpetrator to be seen as less responsible just because the victim is vulnerable. Jurors need to understand how someone can feel trapped in an abusive relationship.
Often, people think, “If she didn’t like it, she could leave.” But leaving is often the most dangerous time for a victim, and many homicides occur then.
Kiena felt isolated, and when she sought help, the police let her down. In her mind, suicide seemed like the only way out.
Justice wasn’t served in Kiena’s case, and her family wanted her story to set a precedent for others. They’re raising awareness about the link between domestic abuse and suicide.
It’s crucial that we push for changes in the law and how these cases are handled. Kiena’s story is a wake-up call for all of us.