David Challen
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Domestic Abuse Campaigner
David Challen is a domestic abuse advisor, campaigner, author and keynote speaker. He successfully campaigned to free his mother Sally Challen in a landmark appeal raising awareness of 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.
'David is one of the most courageous men I know . . . His book is one that everyone should read to understand coercive control, and what it is like to be a child growing up in a house where there is domestic abuse'
MELANIE BROWN MBE, AKA Mel B
'Unthinkable stares down horror and heartbreak.
A story told with unflinching courage and a compelling drive for the truth'
LAURA KUENSSBERG
One Saturday in 2010, David’s mother struck more than twenty blows to the back of her husband’s head with a hammer after thirty years of abuse. In those few minutes, David’s life was changed forever.
Over the next decade, he led the fight to overturn her conviction; and in doing so he not only freed his mother and helped change the legal system, but also became a voice for the countless victims of coercive control across the country.
This is a powerful story of a son’s love for his mother; of an insidious form of abuse that must be better understood if we are to truly tackle it; and a fight that reshaped how society understands domestic abuse
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Published by Brazen Books
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.
Published Work
> > NOW WRITING ON SUBSTACK:
Writings on Coercive Control and Male Violence Against Women
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"
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- 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
David Challen is a leading voice on coercive control, domestic abuse and the urgent need to challenge male violence against women and girls. Drawing on his lived experience and landmark campaign to free his mother, he brings a powerful, authentic perspective that resonates across audiences.
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David regularly speaks to and advises charities, businesses, legal professionals, healthcare providers, and public institutions. His talks explore:
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The reality and impact of coercive control
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The hidden harms experienced by children in abusive homes
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Masculinity, empathy and the role of men in ending male violence against women
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Building healthier relationships and workplace cultures
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He also shares his journey as an Ambassador for the Prison Advice and Care Trust and the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse, highlighting practical steps organisations can take to safeguard and support victims.โ
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Clients
Contact Me!
Please note: I am truly grateful for every message I receive, but I’m unable to respond to individual requests for personal advice. I’m not a trained professional and can’t offer direct support. If you need help, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.
