Campaigners Demand New Law to Hold Abusers Accountable for Suicides

Domestic abuse campaigners are urging for new legislation that would hold perpetrators accountable for driving their victims to suicide. Recent statistics reveal that more victims of domestic abuse are ending their own lives than those killed by their partners. Despite a growing understanding of the relationship between domestic abuse and suicide, only one successful prosecution for manslaughter has occurred in cases where victims have taken their own lives.

Frank Mullane, founder of the charity Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA), emphasized the need for clarity in the legal framework. Following the tragic murders of his sister and nephew by a former partner, Mullane advocates for a law that would enable jurors to understand the causative links between domestic abuse and suicide. He stated, “We need a serious debate first and probably a new law which enables jurors to clearly see causation so that perpetrators of domestic abuse which leads to suicide are fully held to account.”

Currently, under existing legal guidelines, an unlawful act must be proven for jurors to convict on manslaughter charges. This often leads to suspects being charged with both manslaughter and other offenses, such as coercive control. Such dual charges can obscure the accountability of the abuser in cases where the more severe charge fails. For instance, the case of Kiena Dawes illustrates this issue. Dawes, at just 23 years old, took her own life after enduring years of severe abuse. In her final moments, she left a note stating, “I was murdered. Ryan Wellings killed me. He ruined every bit of strength I had left. I didn’t deserve it.” While Wellings was convicted of coercive and controlling behavior, he was acquitted of manslaughter.

In response to these challenges, the Crown Prosecution Service and senior police officials have pledged to prosecute more domestic abusers for manslaughter in cases where victims die by suicide. Yet, Mullane cautions that the current legal framework does not provide adequate justice for families of victims. He remarked, “The current law needs a refresh. It reads as if written for legal people and jurors are usually not legal people.”

Research indicates a significant gap in understanding among professionals regarding the connection between domestic abuse and suicide. Sarah Dangar, a consultant specializing in violence against women and girls, noted that many victims are visible to support agencies, yet their experiences often go unrecognized. She explained, “Research undertaken by myself and colleagues showed that these victims are not invisible; many are in plain sight of agencies.”

The Kent Suicide Prevention team has identified several reasons why victims of domestic abuse may consider suicide. These include the belief that they will be murdered by their abuser or feelings of worthlessness instilled by the perpetrator. Tim Woodhouse, Suicide Prevention Programme Manager at Kent County Council, shared insights on common themes among victims. He explained, “Some believe that they are going to be murdered by their perpetrator, so they attempt suicide as a way of controlling the way they die—even though they don’t want to stop living.”

Mullane advocates for expert testimony in court to help juries understand the profound effects of domestic abuse. He believes that a law written in plain language would facilitate a clearer comprehension of causation, allowing jurors to reach just verdicts. He urged the government to invest substantial resources in initiatives aimed at preventing domestic abuse and related suicides, stating, “We know from National Police data that these deaths outnumber homicides.”

In a statement to the media, Jess Phillips, the minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, expressed her commitment to addressing the issue. She stated, “Every death linked to domestic abuse is a devastating tragedy. We must do more to understand and prevent them, and ensure perpetrators are held to account.” Phillips highlighted ongoing efforts to reform Domestic Homicide Reviews and accelerate the review process through a new oversight board.

For individuals experiencing domestic abuse or suicidal thoughts, various support services are available. The AAFDA offers free support and advocacy, and can be contacted via email at [email protected] or by phone at 07887 488 464. Additional resources include the Samaritans, available at 116 123, and Women’s Aid, which provides confidential support through various channels.

The push for new legislation reflects a growing recognition of the need for systemic change to better protect victims and ensure that abusers are held accountable for their actions. As the campaign unfolds, advocates remain hopeful for a future where justice is served for those affected by domestic abuse and suicide.