Here are recent cases of domestic abuse that ended tragically — illustrating how victims can be let down even when they seek help.
Latest domestic abuse tragedy & policy update
- The GuardianUK police to charge more abusers with manslaughter after suicide of partnerMar 25, 2025
- The SunBody-in-boot murder cops arrested husband for domestic abuse – but freed him weeks before he ‘killed wife’ & fled UKNov 26, 2024
- AP NewsA high-profile murder trial in Kazakhstan boosts awareness of domestic violenceApr 25, 2024
- newyorkerThe Feminist Law Professor Who Wants to Stop Arresting People for Domestic ViolenceMar 27, 2025
- pbsUpdates: Minneapolis Catholic school shooting30 days ago
- ABC NewsGabby Petito’s parents reveal disturbing details about the case in new interviewMay 27, 2025
1. Kiena Dawes (England)
- Dawes reported repeated abuse by her partner Ryan Wellings; she left a suicide note saying “Slowly … Ryan Wellings killed me.” The Guardian+1
- He was convicted of coercive and controlling behaviour, but not manslaughter. The Guardian+1
- The case highlighted that many victims die by suspected suicide following abuse in England & Wales — becoming the most common cause of death in domestic-abuse related fatalities for the year to March 2024. ITVX
2. Saltanat Nukenova (Kazakhstan)
- Nukenova died in November 2023; her husband, ex-minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev, was later convicted for torturing and killing her. AP News
- Her case sparked a national outcry and led to new legislation (“Saltanat’s Law”) aimed at tougher domestic violence laws in Kazakhstan. AP News
3. Teodora Marcu (Romania)
- In February 2024, a 23-year-old pregnant woman, Marcu, with multiple previous complaints against her ex-partner, was shot dead in front of her child. euronews
- Despite her attempts to raise alarm, she died “alone and unheard.” The case is used to illustrate the broader spike in severe domestic violence in Europe. euronews
4. Harshita Brella (UK)
- Brella’s body was found in the boot of a car in November 2024. The suspect, her husband, had been previously arrested for domestic abuse in August but was released. The Sun
- The investigation is being reviewed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to examine the police response to her repeated reports. The Sun
Why these cases matter
- They show how reporting abuse doesn’t always result in protection or intervention.
- Victims often become “invisible” even when signs are clear: threats, repeated complaints, known abusers.
- Outcomes range from suicide, murder, or other fatal outcomes — not always immediate homicide but often severe fatal consequence of control and abuse.
- They underline a systemic issue: agencies, law enforcement, or support systems sometimes fail to intervene effectively before it’s too late.
