Kiena Dawes, aged 23, took her own life following a ‘campaign of abuse’ from her ex-partner over a prolonged period of time. Mr Wellings is currently standing trial for the manslaughter of Kiena and the media have been extensively reporting on the circumstances that surrounded her death. McAlister Family Law Solicitor, Georgina Howe, looks at the case of Kiena which illustrates the devastating reality of domestic abuse and the impact that it has on families.
Kiena had a young daughter and ended her life in tragic circumstances.
Mr Wellings denies manslaughter and the trial is ongoing.
Kiena left behind a suicide note in which she wrote ‘Ryan Wellings killed me’. The criminal court has heard evidence of the abuse that Kiena says she suffered at the hands of her ex-partner. This includes physical and emotional abuse as well as controlling and coercive behaviour.
The suicide note states that ‘he ruined every bit of strength I had left. I didn’t deserve it. I didn’t ask for it.’ The actions of Kiena demonstrate the reality that domestic abuse can have on a person and the extent at which individuals are fighting against it.
The criminal trial has heard of the development of the parties relationship and how ‘intense’ it became over a short period of time. Within weeks, Mr Wellings had Kiena’s name tattooed on his body. Within a few months, Mr Wellings had proposed to Kiena and they then moved in together. Mr Wellings is said to have bought Kiena extravagant gifts which followed after displays of ‘aggressive and violent’ behaviour. Typically, people who experience domestic abuse believe that they are to blame for the actions of the perpetrator and feel stuck in a repeated cycle of behaviour.
Kiena’s death highlights the reality of domestic abuse and how a person lives with the impact every day of their lives. The criminal trial has heard evidence whereby Kiena describes being ‘terrorised’. These words are devastating but are the reality of a relationship within which domestic abuse is a feature. People experiencing domestic abuse feel helpless and are often told by the perpetrators that they will not be believed.
Kiena’s own words show the importance of seeking help ‘I hope my life saves another’. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, know that you are not alone and that although it may feel impossible now, you can get help.
We are able to provide urgent legal advice to anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse of any kind. There are support services available who can help a person flee a household and seek refuge in a place of safety. In the event of an emergency, you must contact the police.
Here at McAlister Family Law, we have published a number of blogs on domestic abuse and the impact that this has. We have previously looked at the impact stalking has on individuals and the importance of seeking help. Baby Reindeer: Netflix’s New Show Considering The Nature And Impact Of Stalking | McAlister Family Law
