A striking exhibition featuring 150 pairs of blue shoes will take centre stage in Blackpool this week to highlight the tragic link between domestic abuse and suicide. The powerful public installation represents the number of victims across the country who are suspected of being driven to take their own lives by their partners.
Exhibition Organised by Police Boss
The upcoming display has been organised by a local regional police boss to raise awareness about these hidden tragedies and explore how future deaths can be prevented. Organisers chose the colour blue to symbolise deep sadness and reflection, and they will also include children's footwear to represent the grieving families left behind.
The public event comes after official data revealed a worrying increase in the number of national domestic abuse suicides compared to the previous year. Specialist workers and local support groups have collaborated on the project to ensure vulnerable victims can find a safe path to independent lives free from harm.
Quote from Outreach Worker
Tracey Baker, outreach worker at FCWA, said: “There has been a significant rise in the number of people experiencing domestic abuse who have taken their own lives. Sadly, more must be done to ensure victims receive the support and protection they need before it is too late.”
She continued: “FCWA supports people affected by domestic abuse, stalking and related harms across Fylde, helping them to rebuild independent lives free from abuse. When the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner approached us to support this campaign by painting the shoes blue, we were pleased to help raise awareness of this growing, but often hidden, issue.”
Police Commissioner's Statement
Clive Grunshaw, police and crime commissioner for Lancashire, added: “We are grateful to FCWA for their support in creating this powerful exhibition, which provides a visual representation of the scale of this crisis.”
He commented: “The Blue Shoe Exhibit commemorates each of the 150 suspected suicides linked to domestic abuse in 2025, while also reminding us of the children and families affected by these devastating losses.” He continued: “One hundred and fifty deaths is a shocking figure. It represents an increase of over a third compared to the previous year, and behind every number is a real person - a life and a story that must be heard.”
He concluded: “This exhibition is about remembering these individuals, not as statistics, but as people whose lives mattered.”
Event Details
The upcoming exhibition takes place at St John's Square, Blackpool, on Friday, July 10, between 8.30am and 4.30pm, and is completely free for members of the public to attend.
