Home / Crime and Justice / 150 Lives Lost to Abuse: Blackpool Exhibit Honors Victims
150 Lives Lost to Abuse: Blackpool Exhibit Honors Victims
10 Jul
Summary
- 150 people suspected dead by suicide due to domestic violence last year.
- Fylde Coast Women's Aid painted 150 blue shoes for an exhibition.
- An outreach worker called for more victim support and protection.
A poignant exhibition in Blackpool, Lancashire, is shedding light on the devastating impact of domestic abuse, specifically highlighting suicides linked to such abuse. The display features 150 pairs of shoes, all painted blue by Fylde Coast Women's Aid, in remembrance of individuals across the UK believed to have died by suicide due to their partner's actions.
Recent data from the National Police Chiefs' Council reveals a significant increase in these tragic cases. In the year leading up to March 2025, 150 people were suspected of taking their own lives after experiencing domestic violence. This figure marks a substantial rise from the 98 reported in the preceding 12 months. Tracey Baker, an outreach worker at Fylde Coast Women's Aid, emphasized the growing concern within support organizations, stating that more must be done to ensure victims receive adequate support and protection.
