Kiena Dawes, a vibrant 23-year-old hairdresser, tragically ended her life after enduring two years of horrific abuse at the hands of her partner, Ryan Wellings. Before her death, she left her nine-month-old baby with a friend, accompanied by a note on her phone that chillingly read: "I was murdered. Ryan Wellings killed me." While Wellings was ultimately acquitted of manslaughter, he was found guilty of assault and controlling and coercive behavior, receiving a six-and-a-half-year prison sentence. This landmark case sparked a national debate about the undeniable link between domestic abuse and suicide, highlighting the tragic reality that more victims are now taking their own lives than are being killed by their abusers. The case underscored the urgent need for greater recognition of this devastating correlation and for improved data collection to effectively address this growing problem.
Kiena’s story, pieced together from a secret note on her phone and harrowing testimonies, paints a stark picture of systematic abuse. The note, initially a mundane grocery list, descended into a chronicle of emotional and physical torment. It documented Wellings’ relentless insults, calling her a "fat little fk" with "st hair cuts," and his chilling threats, including one to throw her father’s ashes out the window with her. The court heard how he repeatedly beat her, even during pregnancy, threatened to drown her, drill her teeth, and disfigure her with acid. This constant barrage of violence and intimidation eroded Kiena’s self-worth and left her feeling trapped and hopeless. Her attempts to seek help were often stifled by Wellings’ manipulative tactics, including threats to have their child taken away.
The details of the abuse Kiena suffered, revealed during Wellings’ trial, are both shocking and heartbreaking. The court heard how Wellings, a man with a history of violence against women, subjected Kiena to a campaign of terror. He controlled every aspect of her life, isolating her from friends and family, dictating her appearance, and constantly denigrating her abilities. The physical abuse was relentless, escalating from slaps and punches to more brutal attacks. He exploited Kiena’s grief after her father’s death and her struggles with mental health, using them to further control and manipulate her. He consistently undermined her confidence, making her believe that she was worthless and that no one would ever want her. This systematic erosion of her self-esteem ultimately drove her to despair.
The trial of Ryan Wellings was a pivotal moment, not only for Kiena’s family but also for the broader conversation about domestic abuse. It was the first time someone had stood trial accused of the unlawful killing of a partner who took their own life as a result of domestic abuse, highlighting the devastating psychological impact of coercive control. While the jury acquitted Wellings of manslaughter, the judge recognized the severity of his actions, branding him a "clear danger" to women. He emphasized that Wellings’ coercive and controlling behavior created the conditions that led to Kiena’s suicide, highlighting the devastating consequences of such abuse.
Kiena’s family bravely shared their victim impact statements, providing a poignant glimpse into the ripple effects of this tragedy. Her mother, Angela Dawes, described the agonizing process of having her daughter’s private life dissected during the trial, feeling as though Kiena was being “violated” all over again. She spoke of her granddaughter’s separation anxiety and the constant, heartbreaking questions about where her mummy is. Kiena’s grandmother, Irene Ball, shared her memories of a beautiful, kind, and happy young woman whose life was tragically cut short. Kynan Dawes, Kiena’s brother, expressed his deep regret for introducing his sister to Wellings, a "monster" who showed no remorse for his actions. He hoped that the case would raise awareness about the insidious nature of domestic violence and encourage men to treat their partners with respect and kindness.
This harrowing case, brought to light through Metro’s "This Is Not Right" campaign, underscores the urgent need for societal change. Kiena’s story is not an isolated incident; it represents a systemic problem of violence against women. The campaign aims to shed light on the scale of this epidemic and empower readers to take action. It highlights the crucial role of organizations like Women’s Aid in supporting victims and advocating for change. Kiena’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder that domestic abuse can have fatal consequences, even when the abuser’s hands are not directly responsible for the victim’s death. The case emphasizes the need for better understanding of the link between domestic abuse and suicide, improved training for police and other frontline workers, and greater support for victims seeking help. It also calls for a shift in societal attitudes towards domestic abuse, recognizing it not just as a private matter but as a public health crisis requiring urgent attention.
