Why are 150 pairs of blue shoes on display in seaside resort?

In July 2022, Kiena Dawes took her own life after - what a court would later hear - was two-and-a-half years of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her then partner.

The 23-year-old left her baby daughter with a friend and recorded a note on her phone calling Ryan Wellings a "monster" who had "killed me" shortly before she died.

Wellings was cleared of her manslaughter but was found guilty of assaulting her, as well as controlling and coercive behaviour and jailed for six-and-a-half years.

Stories like Kiena's are not an isolated case.

According to latest data from the National Police Chiefs' Council, 150 people are suspected of taking their own lives after being victims of domestic violence in the year to March 2025, up from 98 in the previous 12 months.

This has inspired a new exhibition at St John's Square in Blackpool, Lancashire, to shine a light on domestic abuse-related suicide.

A total of 150 pairs of shoes have been painted blue by Fylde Coast Women's Aid in memory of those who are believed to have been driven to take their own lives by the actions of their partners in the UK.

Tracey Baker, an outreach worker at the charity, said there had been a significant rise in the number of people experiencing domestic abuse who had taken their own lives.

"Sadly, more must be done to ensure victims receive the support and protection they need before it is too late," she said.

Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire's police and crime commissioner, said there was a gap in the law, adding: "We need to close that gap.

"I do feel in Kiena's case it should have been a manslaughter case."

He said the exhibition was"a powerful reminder of why this work matters".

"Domestic abuse can have devastating and fatal consequences, yet too often the law does not reflect the full impact of sustained abuse on victims," he said.

"We are seeing increasing recognition that suicide can follow prolonged domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour, but the law has not yet caught up with this reality.

"I have been campaigning around this issue for some time, and this event is about raising awareness, improving professional understanding, and amplifying the voices of families who continue to seek justice."

This has led to the launch of a campaign for Kiena's Law, calling on the government to create a specific criminal offence of domestic abuse–related suicide.

Campaigners are also calling for coercive and controlling behaviour to be included within the "dangerous offender" framework, allowing courts to impose extended sentences.

In 2018, Jessica Laverack, 34, took her own life at her Beverley home in East Yorkshire after a coroner ruled she had suffered domestic abuse.

At her inquest, the coroner also urged the government to recognise the link between domestic abuse and suicide.

Phyllis Daly, Jessica's mother, said: "It seems quite small now but at the time it was massive to actually get someone to see the link between domestic abuse and suicide.

"I strongly support this – we have to criminalise it. We have to stop it They're not invisible people.

"They are all our loved ones and we deserve justice for them."

"These cases are complex, but complexity must not be a barrier to justice," said Frank Mullane MBE, chief executive officer of Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse.

"Families deserve answers, and perpetrators must be held accountable where abuse contributes to such tragic outcomes.

"By bringing partners together, we can improve understanding, strengthen our response and support the growing call for change."

Angela Dawes, Kiena's mother, said: "Kiena was a rare gem, bringing love and kindness to the world and to everyone who loved her.

"She was an extremely beautiful girl, and quite truly the sweetest kindest and gentlest person.

"Kiena wanted change for other victims, so we fully support this petition to introduce a new law and help secure justice for others like her."

The Blue Shoes exhibition is on display from 08:30 BST to 16:30 on Friday 10 July.

If you or someone you know are having feelings of despair or are emotionally distressed, BBC Action Line has information on organisations that can offer advice and support.

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