David Challen

Domestic Abuse Campaigner

David Challen is a domestic abuse campaigner, writer and keynote speaker. He successfully campaigned to free his mother Sally Challen in a landmark appeal recognising the lifetime of coercive control she suffered in 2019.

David continues to speak out against men's violence against women, coercive control and the impact of domestic abuse on children, as well as men's role in tackling misogyny.

David is an advisor to the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales and an Ambassador for the Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) and the Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse.

Home: About

My Story

On a Saturday morning in August 2010 my mother, Sally Challen, 56, killed my father, Richard Challen, 61, at the family home. The next day my mother drove me to work whilst my father’s body lay undiscovered on the family kitchen floor, I stepped out of the car and she made a point to tell me she loved me. Afterwards she drove to Beachy Head to end her life but was talked down, arrested and convicted of murder.

In 2015 coercive control was made an offence, in turn it not only helped provide a deeper understanding of domestic abuse in acknowledging psychological and emotional violence it helped provide a language for the abuse my brother and I witnessed from our father. We believed the abuse our mother suffered over 40 years resulted in a loss of control, supported by new evidence of multiple mental disorders. Coercive control gave my brother and I a voice to speak out about the abuse we witnessed.

We campaigned for over two years to bring to light a true understanding of the events that led to our father’s death and in February 2019 we successfully quashed our mother's murder conviction. In June later that year our mother was released from prison on the grounds of diminished responsibility and returned to the family.

My mother's case created national and international awareness of coercive control, giving voice to countless silent victims of abuse.

Latest News

TALK: Aylesbury Women’s Aid International Women's Day

7th March 2025

I was honoured to speak at Waddesdon Manor with Aylesbury Women’s Aid, supported by the Rothschild Foundation. Powerful paintings, poetry, and survivor accounts filled the space, highlighting resilience and the urgent need for change. I spoke on coercive control, the impact on children, and systemic failings that continue to harm survivors.

TALK: Antrim and Newtownabbey Council for International Women’s Day

6th March 2025

I was honoured to speak at Antrim and Newtownabbey Council’s event for International Women’s Day, addressing the urgent need to recognise and tackle coercive control.

I shared my mother’s story, my own experiences as a survivor, and how coercive control laws are shaping justice for victims. I also spoke about the hidden impact of abuse on children, the systemic failures that continue to let survivors down, and why education is key to prevention.

We must continue these conversations—not just on International Women’s Day, but every day. Change starts with awareness, and awareness leads to action.

Learn more here.

SUBSTACK: Misogyny and Extremism: A Connection We Cannot Ignore

25th January 2025

As the Southport murderer begins his 52-year sentence, we must confront how misogyny fuels extremism. Three young girls—Bebe, Elsie, and Alice—lost their lives. Yet, we continue to miss the warning signs of escalating violence, dismiss misogyny as a serious threat, and allow harmful content to thrive online.

In my latest Substack, I explore the systemic failings behind this case and the urgent need for accountability.

📖 Read more here.

MEDIA: The System Failed Kiena Dawes – And It Fails Countless Others Like Her

14th January 2025

Kiena Dawes endured two years of coercive control and horrific abuse from Ryan Wellings. He threatened her with acid, pulled her hair, and even said he’d use a drill to take out her teeth. Despite a brutal final attack that left her hospitalised, Wellings broke bail conditions—yet he was never detained. Days later, Kiena took her own life, leaving a note blaming him.

Yesterday, he was cleared of manslaughter, with blame placed on Kiena’s mental health instead of the abuse she endured. This is why domestic abuse-related suicides remain hidden, uncounted, and ignored.

📻 Listen back here.

SUBSTACK: Stuart Hogg And The Cost of Leniency Towards Coercive Control

12th January 2025

Stuart Hogg walks free after a five-year campaign of coercive control against his wife, receiving just a one-year community payback order. This lenient sentence raises urgent questions about how the justice system treats domestic abuse.

What message does this send to survivors? How can we trust a system that allows high-profile individuals to evade real accountability? And why do clubs like Montpellier continue to sign players with histories of domestic abuse?

In my latest Substack, I explore these questions and why outcomes like this continue to fail victims.

📖 Read more here.

More...

Published Work

> > NOW WRITING ON SUBSTACK:

Writings on Coercive Control and Male Violence Against Women

Why are so few men engaging on the issue of violence against women?

THE TELEGRAPH

Why does the media fail to hold violent men to account?

AL JAZEERA

It was right for Mason Greenwood to go, but football clubs shouldn’t be making such decisions alone

THE GUARDIAN

Post-separation abuse must be stopped to help women like my mother

THE TIMES

UK lockdown: victims of domestic abuse need a safe space

THE TIMES

DC%2520Times%2520Red%2520Box_edited_edit

My mother, Sally Challen, was branded a cold-blooded killer. At last, she has justice

THE GUARDIAN

Media

The Case of Sally Challen

Aired on BBC TWO.

Previously available on BBC iPlayer.

(Viewer link on request via Contact Me section)

A landmark film.

A landmark case in domestic abuse.

"THE CASE OF SALLY CHALLEN ON BBC2 SHOWS JUSTICE IS NOT GENDER-BLIND"

"INSIDE THE TRIAL THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING FOR WOMEN"

★★★★★

- THE GUARDIAN

"This documentary takes us to the heart of one of the most talked-about British legal cases of recent years."

- FINANCIAL TIMES

- THE TELEGRAPH

The Sally Challen Case

CAMPAIGNS

APPEALS

Many other women who are victims of abuse and violence are in prison today serving life sentences, and I know this because I have met them.

They have suffered abuse and other miscarriages of justice and should be serving sentences for manslaughter and not murder - Sally Challen

#ASafeHome CAMPAIGN

No one should become homeless after fleeing domestic abuse in any society, but it is happening in ours right now.

Anyone fleeing domestic abuse must have a guaranteed safe, permanent home”

PRESS REPORTING OF FATAL DOMESTIC ABUSE

"2 in 3 families bereaved by fatal domestic abuse have had their grieving process damaged by the press.

In collaboration with Level Up and AAFDA we are calling for better reporting standards so victims feel safe to share their stories without fear of further trauma

Campaigns

Two women a week die at the hands of a partner or ex-partner. Yet less than 1% of perpetrators currently receive an intervention to challenge their behaviour.

We must publish a Perpetrator Strategy.

PERPETRATOR

STRATEGY

It’s vital to specifically recognise the bespoke nature of post-separation abuse by ensuring the Domestic Abuse Bill provides a complete acknowledgement of survivors experiences and protection in the future.

POST-SEPARATION
ABUSE

Speaking

Having spent the majority of my life experiencing coercive control and domestic abuse in the home, I value the need for society to be aware of all forms of violence that exist in all parts of our society.

I continue to actively speak out against violence against women as well as the need to promote discussion about healthy/unhealthy relationships and what men can do to help challenge misogyny in today's society.

I share my story, learning and awareness of these issues across all sectors and across a variety of clients. I share my voice in my role as an Ambassador for both the Prison Advice and Care Trust and Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse to help others.

If you'd like to book me to speak at your event please get in touch via the Contact Me section at the bottom of this page!

Clients

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust.jpg

#InternationalWomensDay

#MaleViolenceAgainstWomenAndGirls

#Femicide

The same governments that shut their doors to trafficking victims just waved through the men who exploited such victims. Survivors of rape and trafficking are forced to beg for safety, treated with suspicion and cruelty, while their abusers fly in on private jets, welcomed by administration built on misogyny and lobbied their release.

#AndrewTate

NEW: Full Discussion on Misogyny and Extremism

A leaked government report has finally acknowledged what many have been saying for years: misogyny is a breeding ground for extremism. Yet, it remains overlooked in discussions on radicalisation and public safety.

In this Woman’s Hour discussion, journalist Joan Smith and Iain Corbett, Participation, Engagement, and Policy Advisor at the Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice:

📌 How male violence and radicalisation are deeply linked
📌 Why misogyny is often the first step into extremist beliefs
📌 The government’s performative approach to tackling violence against women
📌 The failures that let violent young men keep falling through the cracks

The Southport attack is yet another example of how authorities fail to act on clear warning signs. A young man, obsessed with violence, radicalised online, ignored despite repeated interventions, and ultimately, he targeted young girls.

Extreme misogyny isn’t just hateful rhetoric, it’s a pathway to violence. If we don’t start treating it as a serious security threat, more lives will be lost.

📻 LISTEN to the full discussion.

Should misogyny be formally recognised as a form of extremism?

#Misogyny #Extremism #VAWG #Radicalisation #MaleViolence #BBCWomansHour

MY NEW SUBSTACK IS OUT: Three young girls – Bebe, Elsie, and Alice – lost their lives in Southport. Their murders demand we confront hard truths about our systems and society.

How do we allow warning signs of escalating violence to be missed? Why do we fail to recognise misogyny as a form of extremism, even as it drives so much harm? And how do platforms profit from harmful engagement while violent content thrives unchecked?

I explore the systemic failings that might have enabled the Southport murderer, from what we know so far, the overlooked role of extreme misogyny in acts of violence, and the urgent need for accountability and change.

SEE LINK IN BIO ⬅️

#Southport #Misogyny #Extremism #MaleViolenceAgainstWomen

It is exhausting to see people dismiss what is staring us in the face. Since I called out a far right salute, I’ve seen people’s genuine fear being actively used as a punchbag by people who claim to care about tackling male violence against women. It is disillusioning, but not entirely surprising.

These men - Trump, Musk, and others who surround them - did not rise to the top through brilliance. They built their power through fear, division, and control. Sometimes we have to go back to what first arrested us to acknowledge another point we’re at again: Trump’s own recordings, the ones where he sexualises his daughter Ivanka, they make it clear. These were once arresting. Not anymore though. That’s how they move the needle. These men operate with no shame and no limits. Musk, with his far right 4chan nods and endless sexist/misogynist jokes, ones that have created real fears from women in his businesses (as noted in their SA allegations against colleagues and working atmosphere Musk cultivated at Tesla), they all follow the same playbook, using humour and “awkwardness” to normalise harm.

What is worse is how easily people overlook these patterns, dismissing them as “politics” instead of recognising them for what they are: deliberate, calculated misogyny. The far right is rooted in misogyny, and it is staring us in the face. Again.

#ElonMusk #Misogyny #FarRight #MVAWG

Kiena Dawes endured two years of coercive control and horrific abuse at the hands of Ryan Wellings. He threatened her with acid, slapped her, pulled her hair, and even said he’d use a drill to take out her teeth. Despite her cries for help and a final attack that left her hospitalised, the system failed her. Wellings broke bail conditions, yet he was never detained. Days later, Kiena tragically took her own life, leaving behind a note blaming him.

Yesterday’s verdict cleared him of manslaughter, blaming Kiena’s mental health instead of the relentless abuse she endured. This is not justice. This is why domestic abuse-related suicides are the hidden iceberg of male violence. We must demand better for victims and their families.

I spoke to Jeremy Vine this afternoon on BBC Radio 2 alongside Harriet Wistrich to discuss this case, its horrific outcome, and the wider implications of how domestic abuse-related suicides are overlooked by our justice system.

#KienaDawes #DomesticAbuseRatedSuicide #Femicide #MaleViolenceAgainstWomen #DomesticAbuse

Dame Jasvinder Sanghera has confronted abuse on every front, escaping forced marriage at 16, enduring harassment in the House of Lords, and losing her sister to domestic abuse.

She has fought to expose so-called honour abuse, helped criminalise forced marriage, and is a key figure in helping hold powerful institutions like the Church of England and Harrods accountable.

Her work remains inspirational, yet it is critical in not only revealing the systemic failures that enable harm but helping amplify the voices of survivors who have long been ignored and silenced.

SEE LINK IN BIO FOR HER STORY ⬅️

JASVINDER’S BOOK ‘SHAME’ IS A MUST-READ 📖

#JusticeForSurvivors #AlFayed #ChurchofEngland

After what Gisèle Pelicot fought against and achieved, the silence from men is deafening. Women are continuously expected to carry the burden of dismantling a system men built to control and abuse them.

Men: if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.

In our families, social groups, our communities and workplaces, there are all opportunities not to turn a blind eye to sexism, misogyny and signs of abuse.

It’s time to speak up.

#GiselePelicot #VAWG #MaleViolenceAgainstWomen

MY NEW SUBSTACK IS OUT: Gisèle Pelicot’s trial forces us to confront the deep-rooted structures of abuse that men have built and continue to uphold.

In the aftermath of the landmark trial I explore the societal systems that allowed this horror to unfold, the bravery of a woman who faced them all, and why the focus must shift from calling these men “monsters” to confronting the ordinary men who perpetuate male violence.

Gisèle’s words from the trial echo far beyond the courtroom: “It’s time that the macho, patriarchal society that trivialises rape changes.”

This is more than just a verdict, it’s a reckoning.

LINK IN BIO 👈🏻

If this resonates, share your thoughts below. Let’s keep this conversation going.

#GiselePelicot #ViolenceAgainstWomen #MaleViolenceAgainstWomen #JusticeForGisele #Misogyny #Patriarchy

The real person of the year: #GisèlePelicot

#ShameMustChangeSides

Violent misogynist males who abuse women win again.

#TimePersonOfTheYear #GiselePelicot #DonaldTrump #Misogyny

MY NEW SUBSTACK IS OUT: Why Lily Phillips’ “100-man challenge” forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about how we frame consent and exploitation.

As the story of Lily Phillips’ attempt to sleep with 100 men in a single day unfolds, I look beyond the surface and examine the role of the men who participated, the culture that shields them, and what this says about our wider attitudes towards women and sexual exploitation.

With an uncensored version of the documentary now paywalled on Patreon by filmmaker/YouTuber Josh Pieters, we have to ask: who truly benefits from these narratives, and at whose expense?

LINK IN BIO 👈🏻

If you enjoyed this article let me know in the comments!

#Exploitation
#Misogyny
#ViolenceAgainstWomenAndGirls

Tackling violence against women and girls must be a top priority, not an afterthought. This issue demands urgent action, but in his recent speech, the Prime Minister missed the chance to demonstrate real commitment to the government’s pledge to halve VAWG in a decade.

As @RefugeCharity highlighted, without proper funding and clear action plans, progress will stall. Bold leadership is needed now to set the standard for future governments, ensuring this remains at the forefront of policy.

SEE LINK IN BIO ⬅️

#VAWG #KeirStarmer #ViolenceAgainstWomenAndGirls

Teresa McMahon sought help weeks before her death, asking police for information under Clare’s Law about her ex-partner’s potential history of abuse. She was wrongly told by Greater Manchester Police that she wasn’t entitled to it because they were no longer together. Just days earlier, she reported injuries, including broken fingers and a rib, but chose not to pursue prosecution. Police later tried to correct their mistake, but it was too late.

Her ex, Robert Chalmers, denied harming or controlling her, though he was linked to three prior domestic abuse reports. Teresa’s journal revealed struggles with depression, and her family believes her volatile relationship and lack of support were contributing factors.

Coroner Mary Hassell concluded Ms McMahon had taken her own life and that "no other person forced her to do that".

At least one victim dies every four days due to suicide following domestic abuse, with 93 suspected suicides recorded in 2022-2023. Coercive control often goes unnoticed and plays a significant role in these tragic deaths.

#DomesticAbuseRelatedSuicide #ClaresLaw #CoerciveControl

The mother said she was “safety planning” in real time, and her daughter described the man’s complete lack of respect for women.

The charity, @tomorrowswomenwirralcentre, is working to change this by creating women-only safe spaces,a vital step when 93% of women report feeling unsafe alone at night.

This story once again highlights how women are forced to live on guard, never knowing when intimidation or violence will escalate.

#MaleViolenceAgainstWomen #SafeSpace #VAWG

Journalist Robin Aitken tries to label #GreggWallace’s alleged behaviour as “falling foul” of a “confused modern set of rules”?

This isn’t about “new rules”, it’s about confronting behaviour that creates unsafe environments.

That is all.

#GisèlePelicot #TinaTurner

Gisèle Pelicot’s words from her final time on the stand echo far beyond the courtroom. They are a powerful reminder of the strength women show in the face of a society that too often shames, silences, and diminishes them.

Gisèle’s fight isn’t just hers, it is one that speaks to generations of women and girls, however… it cannot continue to be a fight women should bear alone. This case highlights something we all need to acknowledge: male violence is not rare, and “good men” cannot remain passive. Silence and inaction allow abusive structures to thrive.

To all the men who think they aren’t part of the problem: ask yourselves if you’re part of the solution. Well, are you? You have power to challenge harmful behaviour’s, call out misogyny, and support change in the spaces you occupy.

Lift women’s voices and stories. This has to change with us.

#GisèlePelicot #ShameMustChangeSides #EndRapeCulture #MaleAccountability #MaleViolenceAgainstWomen

After years of survivors bravely speaking out, it’s clear the Church of England cannot move forward without true accountability from its leaders. No one in authority should stay in leadership given the scale of abuse, across five decades, 130 boys and young men, and the failures that allowed it to continue. Survivors of John Smyth and others deserve transparency, justice, and action. The responsibility to protect the vulnerable must be removed from within the Church itself so that safety, trust, and healing can be rebuilt from the ground up.

This must be a turning point.

#JustinWelby #ChurchOfEngland #CSA

Holly Newton’s murder stresses the urgent need to recognise coercive controlling behaviour in young relationships.

Patterns like obsessive monitoring, emotional blackmail, and stalking are warning signs that we can’t afford to ignore.

Holly’s mother is now calling for essential changes in how we classify and address domestic abuse - because abuse isn’t limited by age. It’s crucial that we raise awareness, support victims, and push for reforms that truly protect young people from abusive relationships. Thankful to contribute and share in this vital conversation.

#JusticeForHolly #DomesticAbuseAwareness #BBCNews
#CoerciveControl #Femicide #MaleViolenceAgainstWomen

The language used in these headlines perpetuates harmful narratives that enable violence against women. Using words like “jealousy” to describe calculated violence shifts focus onto the emotions of the perpetrator, turning him into a “misguided lover” rather than a murderer driven by control.

Holly’s mum highlighted the obsessive, coercive behaviour Logan Macphail displayed, warning signs that often escalate into tragedy. She also pointed out the troubling fact that the law currently only recognises domestic abuse for those over 16, leaving vulnerable young people like Holly without adequate protection.

When the media centres on the emotions of killers, it downplays the real issue: violence rooted in coercive control, not passion.

Framing headlines this way silences Holly’s harms, burying her voice under the killer’s emotions and failing to address the patterns of abuse that escalated and stole her life. We must demand more from our media reporting, prioritising the voices of victims and confronting the lived and learnt realities of domestic abuse.

#HollyNewton #EndDomesticAbuse #CoerciveControl #StopViolenceAgainstWomenAndGirls #DomesticAbuseAwareness

Just because an action complies with the legal requirements doesn’t make it morally acceptable, particularly when there’s an imbalance in age, power and experience.

When adult creators target young, impressionable individuals for content, it’s difficult not to perceive the dynamic as exploitative. These young adults may not fully comprehend the long-lasting effects of appearing in adult media, and the ethical responsibility should rest with those wielding power and having a platform.

In an industry where consent is often overlooked as a technicality, and regulation seeming doesn’t exist, it’s crucial to have a thorough examination of accountability, boundaries, and the human cost of content creation. If we fail to establish clear boundaries against exploitation, where does it end?

Lets just ask this: If a man were traveling to “educate” (Blue’s words 🙄) barely legal young women in the same way, would society be so quick to dismiss it as empowerment, or would we call it exactly what it is: predatory?

#BonnieBlue #SexualExploitation

Male violence against women and girls continues to be an epidemic. Too often, men refuse to believe that those capable of such violence could be in their circles – yet, they are. Day in, day out. There’s a shared responsibility to address this, to recognise the fear and harm created by silence, by men. Women cannot be asked to explain this any longer.

#GiselePelicot #ViolenceAgainstWomen

We often label rapists as “monsters,” distancing them from ordinary men in our lives. But the truth is, many acts of sexual violence are committed by men who seem trusted, who hide behind their everyday roles.

Gisèle Pelicot’s trial confronts this reality: these men walk freely among us, excusing their violence as misunderstandings or personal struggles. But this minimises the harm done to victims like Gisèle, who bravely waived her anonymity to expose them.

Calling rapists “monsters” lets society avoid facing the bigger issue: these are ordinary men, part of a culture that normalises violence against women. As @laura_bates__ explains, this language separates them from the “decent men” around us, while masking the systemic issues behind these crimes.

As Gisèle said: “For me, they are rapists. Rape is rape.” It’s time we face the uncomfortable truth.

#RapeCulture #GisèlePelicot #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #EverydaySexism #OrdinaryMen

Gisèle Pelicot… there are no words other than what a sheer inspiration this woman is. Admiration is off the charts 📈

This is woman is an icon of strength, dignity and resilience.

#GisèlePelicot
#Gisèle

Holly Newton’s story highlights the devastating consequences of male violence against women and girls in young relationships and the need to recognise these acts for what they are: domestic abuse…

At just 15, Holly was stalked and murdered by her ex-boyfriend, whose obsessive control went unnoticed until it was too late. Her family is now calling for her death to be classified as fatal domestic abuse, not just knife crime, to better reflect the warning signs and patterns of abuse that were present.

Holly’s mum: "He didn't like her having other friends, he didn't like her going out without him, he needed to know where she was at all times.”

"It was all just control, everything was controlling and when he couldn't control her there was a problem.”

"Certain levels of abuse are taken more seriously than others, like the controlling side of things and is it stalking, constantly texting people and ringing?

"Holly was never physically abused, but she was definitely abused in other forms."

By classifying Holly’s murder as knife crime, the focus shifts to the weapon, overlooking the deeper, more insidious pattern of #coercivecontrol, #stalking, and emotional abuse that led to her death.

#DomesticAbuse #MensViolenceAgainstWomen

The BBC’s apology to Amanda Abbington this week upholds complaints of verbal bullying and harassment against her Strictly dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, yet leaves behind a show where the broadcaster now enlists chaperones to attend rehearsals ‘at all times’.

Rather than stop and conduct a full and independent review of all past and present complaints/allegations immediately, the BBC believe their flagship show must go on, undisturbed.

Some things never change at the BBC.

#amandaabbington #strictly #violenceagainstwomen

New Details in Mohamed Al Fayed Allegations…

Two women have come forward claiming they were “pimped by senior Harrods staff” to appeal to Mohamed Al Fayed, highlighting the complicity of men surrounding him who enabled his predatory behavior. Lawyers describe this as potentially one of the worst cases of corporate sexual exploitation ever seen.

At Fulham FC, staff made sure female players were not left alone with Fayed, aware of his tendencies. Yet in some cases, the same staff helped facilitate access to young women, creating a toxic environment of exploitation.

Hundreds of victims, from the US, Dubai, Australia, and Romania, have come forward with allegations or evidence of abuse, according to the BBC.

This systemic collusion went beyond Harrods, with investigations ongoing into Fayed’s behaviour at Fulham FC. Former women’s team manager Gaute Haugenes revealed that precautions were taken to protect players, showing the widespread awareness of his misconduct. Complicity ran deep. Some staff didn’t just shield victims; they enabled Fayed’s access to women, fueling years of abuse.

#Harrods #AlFayed #FulhamFC #CorporateAbuse #JusticeForVictims #MeToo #SystemicComplicity

IT’S OVER! Steven van de Velde and team mate Matthew Immers were defeated by Brazil in straight sets and have been ELIMINATED from the Olympics.

THANK YOU BRAZIL!!! 🇧🇷

This is no means a true victory, the IOC should never have let van de Velde compete and there must be an investigation to the safeguarding by the Olympic Comittee. Had other nations not complained, this child rapist would have lived in the Olympic Village around CHILDREN.

The damage done by giving a convicted child rapist an Olympian status reaffirms to women and girls that their harms pale in significance next to the talent of male athletes, whose value extends to not just overlooking their violent acts, but gives them role model status too.

#ParisOlympics #Olympics #DutchOlympics #SexualViolence #ViolenceAgainstWomenAndGirls #MaleViolenceAgainstWomenAndGirls

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