Thank you for your continued support to strengthen my calls for Kiena's Law. Close to 44,000 people have now signed the petition, it's fantastic to see the level of support for this important cause.
Blue Shoes Exhibition
When we first launched this petition, we also hosted a powerful exhibition to highlight the issue of domestic-abuse related suicide and to raise awareness of the campaign for Kiena's Law.
The Blue Shoes Exhibition displays 150 pairs of shoes, painted blue by Fylde Coast Women's Aid, to represent 150 suspected suicides linked to domestic abuse in 2025. The colour blue symbolises both feelings of depression, “feeling blue”, and the lasting impact of lives lost.
Thanks to the overwhelming response to the exhibition, it is now going on tour across Lancashire and beyond, starting with Preston Flag Market to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday, 10 September. If you are local, please come along to event. If you are unable to attend, pictures and information will be shared on my website and social media channels.
Further dates and locations for the exhibition will be shared on my website and social media channels in the coming weeks.
Research
The University of Lancashire and my Office are conducting a short anonymous survey to better understand experiences and views relating to domestic abuse and suicide. Th survey is separate from the Change.Org petition. Completing the survey is voluntary, and whether or not you participate in the survey will not affect your support for the petition. Findings will help inform future research, policy, and practice. The survey will not collect your name, email address or any other contact details.
For more information and to take part in the survey, please click here: Domestic Abuse Victimisation and Suicidality: Short Survey – Fill in form. If you are unhappy or have any data protection queries, you may contact the Principal Investigator: Dr Lis Bates, University of Lancashire, LBates5@lancashire.ac.uk. If you are still unhappy, please contact the Ethics, Integrity and Governance Unit at OfficerForEthics@lancashire.ac.uk.