Psychological abuse

In 2011 Sally Challen, 65, was jailed for the murder of her husband Richard, 61. Her sons, James and David, believe Sally was the victim of long-term psychological abuse, something they suggest was ignored during her initial trial. Her murder conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal in February 2019. Prosecutors at the Old Bailey accepted a lesser manslaughter plea on the grounds of diminished responsibility. On 7 June 2019 it was announced that she will not face a retrial for Richard's murder.

“Coercive control is designed to subjugate and dominate, not merely to hurt."

In 2011 Sally Challen, 64, was jailed for the murder of her husband Richard, 61. Her sons, James and David, have stood by their mother throughout. They believe Sally was the victim of long-term psychological abuse, something they suggest was ignored during her trial. Now, eight years into an 18 year sentence, Sally’s solicitors hope a new law recognising psychological manipulation as a form of domestic abuse could provide a defence in a new appeal hearing.

The Metropolitan Police Services have launched two videos which will play in GP offices across London, in an effort to increase awareness around domestic abuse. The videos highlight physical abuse, but also draw attention to coercive control, a form of psychological abuse. The videos are a part of a 16-day campaign to bring awareness around domestic abuse against women. An estimated 1.2 million women in the UK experienced domestic abuse between 2017-and 2018.