The annual national police report on domestic homicides has revealed that suspected suicides remain the leading cause of death among domestic abuse victims in England and Wales for the second consecutive year.

Historically, only one successful manslaughter conviction related to a partner's suicide has occurred, with Nicholas Allen pleading guilty in a similar case back in 2017.

Ryan Wellings was convicted of domestic abuse against Kiena Dawes but was acquitted of manslaughter after she took her own life, leaving behind a note that described him as a 'monster'.

In January 2025, Wellings received a six and a half year sentence for his abusive behavior, which included both physical and verbal assaults on Dawes.

In response to the tragic suicides of partners of domestic abusers, UK police have launched a new initiative aimed at increasing manslaughter charges against offenders, particularly highlighted by the case of Kiena Dawes and her partner Ryan Wellings.

Sarah Davidge from Women’s Aid has called domestic abuse a national emergency, urging for consistent funding for specialized services to effectively tackle the issue.

Andrea Simon from the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW) emphasized the urgent need for better identification of domestic abuse to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for the suicides that follow.

Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe expressed disappointment over the absence of a manslaughter conviction in Dawes's case, highlighting the critical need to investigate deaths associated with domestic abuse.

A recent report recommends that police should investigate the history of domestic abuse in cases of unexpected deaths, a suggestion that has garnered support from advocacy groups like EVAW.

The article also provides contact information for domestic abuse support services in the UK and internationally, emphasizing the importance of accessible help for victims.