David Challen
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
TALK: Keynote at North West Dispute Resolution Conference 2024
28th November 2024
David Challen delivered the keynote address at Mills & Reeve’s North West Dispute Resolution Conference, an annual gathering of solicitors, barristers, mediators, and professionals in family law. Speaking to this year’s theme of domestic abuse, David shared his powerful personal story, focusing on the hidden realities of coercive control and its impact on family dynamics during separation and divorce.
Through his lived experience, David highlighted the critical need for legal professionals to recognise abuse and provide compassionate support to survivors. His thought-provoking talk challenged attendees to reimagine how family law can better protect those navigating the lasting effects of domestic abuse.
TALK: Buckinghamshire Domestic Abuse Conference 2024
25th November 2024
David addressed over 120 multi-agency professionals at Buckinghamshire Council’s White Ribbon Conference, focusing on the theme “Working in Partnership to Recognise and Tackle Coercive Control.”
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Engaging professionals from policing, social care, housing, health, probation, and the voluntary sector, David emphasised the collective responsibility to recognise coercive control and intervene effectively. His talk underscored the urgent need for collaboration to dismantle abuse and support survivors, and the need to recognise the criminal justice failures in tackling these harms.
TALK: White Ribbon Talk for Cardiff Council Staff and Partners
November 2024
David delivered a powerful session to Cardiff Council staff and partner organisations, focusing on coercive control and its devastating impact on families. Drawing on his personal story and using clips from the BBC Two documentary about his family, David highlighted how coercive control affects not just victims but also the children who witness it. He emphasised the importance of recognising abusive behavior and holding perpetrators accountable.
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David’s talk challenged attendees to consider their role in preventing abuse and supporting survivors, encouraging a proactive approach to breaking cycles of harm within families and communities, and safeguarding roles
Published Work
> > NOW WRITING ON SUBSTACK:
Writings on Coercive Control and Male Violence Against Women
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
CAMPAIGNS
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
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”
"2 in 3 families bereaved by fatal domestic abuse have had their grieving process damaged by the press.
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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
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.
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We must publish a 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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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