The Tragic Case of Kiena Dawes: A Life Lost to Domestic Abuse and Systemic Failures
Kiena Dawes, a 23-year-old woman from Lancashire, England, tragically took her own life in July 2022 after enduring two years of horrific domestic abuse at the hands of her partner, Ryan Wellings. Her story highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the urgent need for improved responses from law enforcement and support services. Kiena’s suicide note, a heart-wrenching plea for faster action and a voice for the abused, underscores the desperation she felt and her hope that her death would not be in vain. It serves as a stark reminder of the often hidden and deadly consequences of domestic abuse.
Kiena’s ordeal began shortly after meeting Wellings in 2020. Their initially intense relationship quickly spiraled into a nightmare of physical and emotional abuse. Wellings’ controlling behavior escalated throughout their relationship, marked by physical assaults, verbal threats, and psychological manipulation. He threatened to drown her, drill her teeth, and disfigure her with acid, evoking the horrific attack on Katie Piper. Even Kiena’s pregnancy did not deter Wellings’ violence, as he continued to abuse her while she carried their child. Kiena’s mental health deteriorated under the constant barrage of abuse, leading to hospitalization for suicidal ideation. Wellings exploited her vulnerability, using her mental health struggles to discredit her accusations and threaten to have their child taken away.
Despite numerous calls to the police, Kiena’s pleas for help went largely unanswered. On several occasions, she downplayed the abuse to officers, fearing retaliation from Wellings and the potential loss of her child. Even when presenting with visible injuries, including a black eye while heavily pregnant, police accepted her explanations and failed to pursue the matter further. This lack of intervention, coupled with Wellings’ continued intimidation, left Kiena feeling trapped and unsupported. Her attempts to document the abuse on social media were met with requests from the police to remove the posts, further silencing her and reinforcing her sense of isolation.
Finally, after a particularly brutal attack in July 2022 that left her unconscious and requiring hospital treatment, Kiena mustered the courage to give a full statement to the police. Wellings was arrested and bailed with conditions not to contact her. However, just days later, he breached his bail by contacting Kiena through a third party, further terrorizing her with threats. Despite reporting this breach and providing evidence of abusive messages, the police dismissed her complaint, leaving Kiena feeling utterly abandoned by the system she had turned to for protection. This final blow, combined with the cumulative trauma of years of abuse, ultimately led Kiena to take her own life.
Kiena’s story is a tragic example of the complex interplay between domestic abuse and suicide. Research indicates a strong correlation between experiencing domestic violence and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The constant fear, control, and trauma inflicted by abusers can lead victims to feel trapped and hopeless, increasing their risk of suicide. Kiena’s case highlights the critical need for better training and awareness within law enforcement and support services to recognize the signs of domestic abuse and its potential to escalate to suicide. It also underscores the importance of providing victims with accessible and effective support systems that empower them to escape abusive relationships and rebuild their lives.
The aftermath of Kiena’s death brought some measure of accountability for Wellings. He was ultimately convicted of assault and coercive and controlling behavior, though acquitted of manslaughter. An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) into the police handling of Kiena’s case found several officers had a case to answer for misconduct, highlighting systemic failures in their response to her reports of domestic abuse. However, these findings offer little solace to Kiena’s family and friends, who believe that a more robust and proactive response from the police could have saved her life.
Kiena’s story serves as a powerful call to action. Her tragic death must not be in vain. It is imperative that we, as a society, recognize the deadly link between domestic abuse and suicide and work towards creating a system that truly protects and supports victims. This includes improved training for law enforcement, readily available and accessible support services, and a societal shift in attitudes towards domestic violence, ensuring that victims are heard, believed, and empowered to escape abusive relationships. Kiena’s final plea – to let the tortured have a voice – must resonate with us all, prompting meaningful change and preventing further tragedies.
