Commissioner meets with Government on calls for new laws addressing domestic abuse‑related deaths

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, has visited Westminster to discuss the urgent need for stronger laws to address domestic abuse‑related suicides in cases involving prolonged coercive and controlling behaviour.

The meeting brought together Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Minister Alex Davies-Jones MP from the Ministry of Justice, alongside Paul Greaney KC and Frank Mullane, CEO of AAFDA Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse. The discussion focused on the scale of the issue, gaps in current legislation, a legal note on a suggested change in legislation for cases such as Kiena Dawes to allow for an extended sentence in cases that resulted in suicide and how changes in the law could better protect victims and support justice for families.

The Commissioner highlighted the growing national concern around domestic abuse‑related suicides, with evidence showing that suspected suicides linked to domestic abuse now outnumber intimate partner homicides. He emphasised the need for a clearer legal framework to recognise the culpability of perpetrators whose coercive and controlling behaviour contributes to a victim’s death.

This work follows high‑profile cases such as the tragic death of 23‑year‑old Kiena Dawes, who died on a railway line in Lancashire on 22 July 2022. Her partner, Ryan Wellings, was acquitted of manslaughter but convicted of assault and coercive and controlling behaviour, reflecting the abuse Kiena endured.

Lancashire has played a leading role in national discussions on this issue, hosting a major conference in 2025 which brought together policing, criminal justice, health, and academic partners to explore the legal and investigative challenges associated with domestic abuse‑related suicides. The Commissioner is working closely with Lancashire Constabulary to ensure ongoing development of their expertise, including internal awareness‑raising campaigns highlighting the links between domestic abuse and suicide. He has also continued to engage with experts, campaigners, and Government to consider how legislation could be strengthened.

Next month, the Commissioner will chair a Westminster roundtable alongside Frank Mullane and Jess Asato MP to discuss potential new legislation on domestic abuse‑related suicide. This will be followed in March by a conference for frontline professionals, hosted by the Commissioner and delivered by national expert Professor Jane Monckton Smith. In addition, the Commissioner is funding and coordinating a six‑month research post to scope frontline understanding of, and responses to, the links between mental health, suicide, and domestic abuse.

Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said:“ Domestic abuse‑related suicides are a devastating and deeply complex issue. When victims feel trapped, controlled, and unable to see a way out, the consequences can be tragic. We owe it to them and their families to ensure the law properly reflects the seriousness of this harm.

“The scale of domestic abuse‑related suicides shows that our current system is not doing enough to recognise the impact of coercive and controlling behaviour. Meeting with ministers, legal experts and campaigners in this field was an important step in highlighting the gaps that exist and the need for meaningful reform.

“Lancashire has been leading this conversation nationally, and I will continue to work with Government to ensure that any changes to the law are robust, evidence‑based and focused on protecting victims. Strengthening legislation, improving understanding of coercive control, and ensuring perpetrators are held fully accountable are all vital to preventing further loss of life.

“Our priority must always be safeguarding victims, supporting families and ensuring that those responsible for abuse are brought to justice.”