Kiena Dawes, a 23-year-old mother, tragically took her own life in July 2022 after enduring two years of relentless abuse at the hands of her partner, Ryan Wellings. Her suicide followed a final, heartbreaking note where she declared, “I was murdered. Ryan Wellings killed me.” This note, and the extensive evidence of Wellings’ abusive behavior, formed the basis of a trial where he was ultimately convicted of assault and coercive control, although he was cleared of manslaughter. Kiena’s death highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the often-unseen struggles of victims trapped in abusive relationships.

Wellings’ abuse was multifaceted and relentless. He exploited Kiena’s pre-existing Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder, using her vulnerability against her. He subjected her to constant verbal degradation, calling her derogatory names and frequently telling her to kill herself. The physical abuse was equally horrific, including instances where he dunked her head in the bath, threw a stool at her, and threatened to disfigure her with acid or a drill. These threats, coupled with the constant emotional manipulation, created an environment of fear and desperation for Kiena.

The tragedy of Kiena’s death is compounded by the missed opportunities to intervene and potentially save her life. On five separate occasions, Kiena reached out to the police, reporting assaults and detailing the abuse she suffered. Police responded to her home four times, including instances where she was visibly injured. Just 11 days before her suicide, Wellings brutally attacked Kiena, leaving her with a head injury and blood splattered throughout her home. Despite the clear evidence of violence, Wellings was released, leaving him free to continue his reign of terror. The repeated failures of the system to protect Kiena raise serious questions about the effectiveness of current responses to domestic violence.

Kiena’s mother, Angela, bravely spoke out about the devastating impact of Wellings’ actions on her family. She described the harrowing experience of sitting through the trial, witnessing her daughter’s private life dissected and her mental health scrutinized. She also shared the heartbreaking reality of Kiena’s young daughter, who was just nine months old at the time of her mother’s death, asking, “Where’s mummy?” Angela emphasized the additional trauma caused by Wellings’ decision to plead not guilty, forcing the family to endure the agonizing process of a trial. She believes he could have spared them this ordeal by admitting his guilt.

The case of Kiena Dawes also highlights the alarming connection between domestic abuse and suicide. Studies have shown that victims of domestic abuse are significantly more likely to die by suicide than by homicide. Experts believe this link is often overlooked and underreported. Kiena’s story emphasizes the need for greater awareness and understanding of this connection, as well as the importance of providing adequate support and resources to victims. Her final note, urging faster action from police services and pleading for bullies not to be allowed to live free, serves as a chilling reminder of the desperate need for systemic change.

Kiena’s case underscores the complex challenges in addressing domestic violence. Even with police involvement, the cycle of abuse can be difficult to break. The complexities of Kiena’s mental health and the coercive nature of Wellings’ control contributed to the tragic outcome. Her case emphasizes the critical need for improved training and resources for law enforcement and support services, enabling them to better identify, assess, and respond to the multifaceted nature of domestic abuse, particularly its intersection with mental health vulnerabilities. It also highlights the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, recognizing the devastating and often fatal consequences of coercive control.

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