'Kiena's Law' - Major Blackpool event backs domestic abuse law change in honour of Fleetwood's Kiena Dawes

An event calling for a new law to be passed in memory of Fleetwood woman Kiena Dawes, who took her own life after suffering prolonged domestic abuse, is to take place at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens today.

Hosted by Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, the event - Domestic Abuse-Related Suicide: Improving Recognition, Response and Justice - focuses on improving recognition, response and justice in cases of domestic abuse–related suicide, calling for 'Kiena's Law' to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

It will bring together professionals, partners and campaigners to address growing concerns about the link between sustained domestic abuse and suicide, and gaps in current legislation. Importantly the event will also explore the role of agencies in prevention and early intervention.

The event follows increasing national attention on the issue, with 150 suspected suicides linked to domestic abuse in 2025. However, current law does not consistently recognise where prolonged abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour, is a contributing factor in a victim’s death.

Kiena Dawes tragically took her own life almost four years ago in July 2022 after suffering prolonged domestic abuse. Kiena’s death drew widespread attention because it highlighted how domestic abuse can have devastating, long‑term effects, and raised questions about whether more could have been done to protect her.

Bringing home the impact of domestic abuse, today’s event will feature a powerful “Blue Shoes” exhibition in St John's Square, a visual installation representing lives lost to domestic abuse–related suicide and helping to bring home the human impact behind the issue.

Hosted by Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner in partnership with Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA), the event aims to strengthen understanding, improve responses, and support calls for legislative change.

‘Devastating and fatal’

”Holding this event in memory of Kiena Dawes and all those who have lost their lives following domestic abuse is a powerful reminder of why this work matters,” said Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw. “Domestic abuse can have devastating and fatal consequences, yet too often the law does not reflect the full impact of sustained abuse on victims.

“We are seeing increasing recognition that suicide can follow prolonged domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour, but the law has not yet caught up with this reality,” he added.

“I have been campaigning around this issue for some time, and this event is about raising awareness, improving professional understanding, and amplifying the voices of families who continue to seek justice. We simply must do more to ensure victims are recognised and systems respond appropriately.”

‘A rare gem’

Angela Dawes, mum of Kiena, said: "Kiena was a rare gem, bringing love and kindness to the world and to everyone who loved her, she was an extremely beautiful girl, and quite truly the sweetest kindest and gentlest person. Kiena wanted change for other victims, so we fully support this petition to introduce a new law and help secure justice for others like her."

Campaigners argue that current legislation fails to capture the cumulative impact of abuse over time, leaving families without justice and limiting accountability.

Frank Mullane MBE, CEO of Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) said: “These cases are complex, but complexity must not be a barrier to justice. Families deserve answers, and perpetrators must be held accountable where abuse contributes to such tragic outcomes.

“By bringing partners together, we can improve understanding, strengthen our response and support the growing call for change.”

As part of the event, Commissioner Clive Grunshaw and AAFDA have launched a petition calling for #KienasLaw, which urges the Government to introduce stronger legal measures, including a specific criminal offence of domestic abuse–related suicide.

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw added: " I urge people to sign our petition and get behind our campaign to affect real change and hold perpetrators accountable."

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