The death of Kiena Dawes by suicide following domestic abuse is sadly a situation that is repeated across the country time and time again. Research estimates that the numbers of domestic abuse victims dying by suicide has now overtaken the numbers killed by their abuser.
Alongside much-needed work to prevent domestic abuse and to bring perpetrators to justice, Kiena’s case highlights the overwhelming need for free and accessible mental health support for the victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Without this support, we are putting women’s lives at real risk.
Our thoughts are with Kiena’s family, and the many other women who are driven to take their own lives by/following domestic abuse. DA survivors tell us that counselling and mental health support is what they need most. Yet more than 1 in 2 survivors can’t access this support due to lack of capacity and funding for specialist services.
This situation must not be allowed to continue. Specialist counselling saves lives and changes futures – helping women find a way forward.
