'Kiena's Law' - Major update on Kiena Dawes law change petition around domestic abuse-related suicide

A petition calling for stronger legal recognition of domestic abuse-related suicide has attracted more than 16,000 signatures within days of being launched at a conference in Blackpool.

The campaign for #KienasLaw, backed by Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner and the charity Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA), was launched during the Domestic Abuse-Related Suicide Conference, held in memory of Kiena Dawes.

Kiena died in 2022, and her death prompted national discussion about the impact of domestic abuse and whether existing legislation adequately reflects the effects that coercive and controlling behaviour can have on victims and their families.

‘Demand for change’

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: "Reaching 16,000 signatures in just a matter of days demonstrates the strength of feeling behind this campaign and the clear public demand for change.

"The response following the conference has been overwhelming. It is clear that families, professionals, and members of the public recognise that too many victims are being failed by a system that does not fully acknowledge the devastating impact domestic abuse can have.

"Too often, victims and their loved ones are left without the answers or accountability they deserve. This campaign seeks to change that by ensuring the role domestic abuse can play in these tragic deaths is properly acknowledged, victims are recognised, and perpetrators are held to account where appropriate.

"I would like to thank everyone who has signed the petition, shared our message and helped raise awareness. Each signature adds weight to our call for action and strengthens the case for meaningful legislative change.

"The petition will remain open throughout the summer, and I encourage people to continue signing and sharing it with family, friends and colleagues. Every signature helps to maintain momentum, increase awareness and reinforce the call for the Government to introduce #KienasLaw.

"Together, we can ensure Kiena's legacy leads to lasting change, greater accountability and stronger protection for victims in the future."

‘Breathtaking’

The conference brought together campaigners, bereaved families, frontline professionals and experts to discuss how domestic abuse-related suicides are recognised and addressed. A Blue Shoes installation was also displayed as a tribute to those who have died and the lasting impact on their families and communities.

The #KienasLaw campaign is calling for improved legal recognition of domestic abuse-related suicide, greater access to justice for bereaved families and a stronger response to the impact of coercive and controlling behaviour within the criminal justice system.

Frank Mullane MBE, CEO of Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) said: "The speed at which signatures have been added to this petition is breathtaking. It reveals that the public knows that domestic abuse causes suicide, but the law needs to catch up.

“Kiena’s Law would fix that, and it would mean that those whose domestic abuse causes suicide, would face the full and proper force of the law, the families who seek AAFDA’s help would receive justice, and the world would be a safer place."

Sign the petition: www.change.org/kienas-law