Why we feel new law in memory of Kiena Dawes is needed to bring justice for domestic abuse victims like her

A mother whose daughter took her own life in 2018 after suffering coercive control has joined the mum of Fleetwood woman Kiena Dawes in backing a new ‘Kiena’s Law’ to promote greater justice in cases of domestic abuse.

The call from Phyllis Daly, whose daughter Jessie, like Kiena, was a domestic victim, came at an event in Blackpool hosted by Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.

Entitled Domestic Abuse-Related Suicide: Improving Recognition, Response and Justice - it focussed 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.

Kiena Dawes tragically took her own life almost four years ago in July 2022 after suffering prolonged domestic abuse.

Her 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.

Kiena’s mum Angela 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."

Phyllis, whose daughter Jessie Laverack, from East Yorkshire, was 34 when she died, said: “My daughter took her own life because of the coercive control she suffered was took much for her and the perpetrator walked free so there is no consequence for him, no outcome.

“He is allowed to walk free and continue that abuse again We have no justice. We would like to think that there there is a consequence for his actions.

“There needs to be a law that if someone drives a woman to take their life, there is a consequence.”

Mr Grunshaw said: “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.

“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.”

The Blackpool event brought together professionals, partners and campaigners to address growing concerns about the link between sustained domestic abuse and suicide, and gaps in current legislation.

It also explored the role of agencies in prevention and early intervention and followed 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.

Bringing home the impact of domestic abuse, the event featured 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.

Frank Mullane, 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 Grunshaw and the AAFDA have launched a petition calling for Kiena’s Law, which can be signed at: www.change.org/kienas-law