Public backing grows for #KienasLaw as petition surpasses 16,000 signatures

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed a significant wave of public support for his campaign to introduce #KienasLaw, with the petition calling for stronger legal recognition of domestic abuse-related suicide surpassing 16,000 signatures just days after launching at a landmark event in Blackpool.

The campaign was launched alongside the Commissioner and Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse’s (AAFDA) Domestic Abuse-Related Suicide Conference, held in memory of Kiena Dawes, whose tragic death in 2022 sparked national conversations about the devastating impact of domestic abuse. Her case prompted wider questions about whether current legislation adequately reflects the profound and cumulative impact abuse can have on victims and their families.

Bringing together leading experts, campaigners, bereaved families and frontline professionals, the conference highlighted the urgent need for change in how domestic abuse-related suicides are recognised and addressed. It was supported by a powerful Blue Shoes installation served as a visual reminder of lives lost and the lasting impact on families and communities.

Through #KienasLaw, the Commissioner and AAFDA are calling for improvements in the legal recognition of domestic abuse-related suicide, a stronger response for victims and their families, and greater access to justice. The campaign seeks to ensure that the devastating consequences of coercive and controlling behaviour are fully understood within the criminal justice system and that families affected by such tragedies receive the support and recognition they deserve.

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said:

“Reaching 16,000 signatures in just a matter of days demonstrates the strength of feeling behind this campaign and the clear public demand for change.

“The response following the conference has been overwhelming. It is clear that families, professionals, and members of the public recognise that too many victims are being failed by a system that does not fully acknowledge the devastating impact domestic abuse can have.

“Too often, victims and their loved ones are left without the answers or accountability they deserve. This campaign seeks to change that by ensuring the role domestic abuse can play in these tragic deaths is properly acknowledged, victims are recognised, and perpetrators are held to account where appropriate.

“I would like to thank everyone who has signed the petition, shared our message and helped raise awareness. Each signature adds weight to our call for action and strengthens the case for meaningful legislative change.

“The petition will remain open throughout the summer, and I encourage people to continue signing and sharing it with family, friends and colleagues. Every signature helps to maintain momentum, increase awareness and reinforce the call for the Government to introduce #KienasLaw.

“Together, we can ensure Kiena’s legacy leads to lasting change, greater accountability and stronger protection for victims in the future.”

Frank Mullane MBE, CEO of Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) said:

“The speed at which signatures have been added to this petition is breathtaking. It reveals that the public knows that domestic abuse causes suicide, but the law needs to catch up. Kiena’s Law would fix that, and it would mean that those whose domestic abuse causes suicide, would face the full and proper force of the law, the families who seek AAFDA’s help would receive justice, and the world would be a safer place.”

Sign the petition: www.change.org/kienas-law