Son of Sally Challen who was jailed for killing his abusive father begs people to reach out to loved ones who may be suffering domestic violence during lockdown – and warns that we ‘shouldn’t rely on victims to report it’
- David Challen, 32, appeared on GMB this morning to highlight the importance of actively checking in on family or friends who may be in abusive households – and not leaving it to them to report it
- David campaigned for his mother to be released after she killed his abusive dad
- Was joined by survivors Rachel Williams and Alice Liveing who spoke on ITV
The son of a woman who was jailed for murder after she killed her abusive husband has begged people to reach out to victims of domestic violence during the coronavirus pandemic.
David Challen, 32, from Surrey, appeared on GMB this morning to highlight the importance of actively checking in on family or friends who may be in abusive households – and not leaving it to them to report it.
His plea came as Refuge, the UK’s largest domestic abuse charity, reported a 120% increase in calls to its helpline.
David campaigned for Sally, now 65, to be released from prison after she murdered her husband David in 2010, and was jailed a year later – before being released last summer after a law recognised coercive control as a form of domestic abuse in 2015.
Speaking on ITV’s morning show this morning, David was joined by Rachel Williams, who was shot by her ex before her 16-year-old son committed suicide and fitness influencer Alice Liveing, who was in a violent relationship.
David Challen, 32, appeared on GMB this morning to highlight the importance of actively checking in on family or friends who may be in abusive households – and not leaving it to them to report it
Speaking to presenter Ben Shepherd, David pleaded: ‘It’s our public duty to be aware of these symptoms and reach out to each other. Be persistent, log what’s going on’.
Referring to his mother suffering years of emotional abuse, he continued: ‘A lot of us aren’t aware abuse happens psychologically – controlling who you speak to.’
Rachel Williams added: ‘Victims are walking on broken glass and we need to reach in.’
She suggested: ‘If you think your neighbour may be being abused bring them shopping and ask if they’re okay. The police will help, domestic abuse is their priority.
‘Children in these households won’t remember social changes, they’ll remember what it was like at home and we owe it to these children. We need to make sure they know they’ll have somewhere to go’.
David campaigned for Sally,(both seen) now 65, to be released from prison after she murdered her husband David in 2010, and was jailed a year later – before being released last summer after a law recognised coercive control as a form of domestic abuse in 201
Speaking about her own situation, she continued: ‘There is life after domestic violence – the tragedy wasn’t him shooting me, it was my 16-year-old son committing suicide afterwards as he was a victim too. I’m testament to the fact that there’s life afterwards.’
Meanwhile Alice Liveing said: ‘Women’s Aid is amazing and helped me and so many survivors.
‘They are running an online chat service Monday to Friday. Often it’s hard to speak to someone at home so this new message service is good. People should also know about the silence solution – press 55 after you ring 999.’
She added: ‘It’s really concerning that there are only so many refuge space.
‘In my situation it started with the small signs you write off as little things like checking your phone and wanting to know where you are all the time. It’s the gaslighting I recognise- you become conditioned to believe it’s your fault.
Rachel Williams, who was shot by her ex before her 16-year-old son committed suicide. She begged people to look out for neighbours
David (top right) joined Rachel Williams (bottom left) and influencer Alice Liveing, bottom right, who had an abusive relationship
‘It doesn’t just have to be physical, you are still worthy of help. The telltale signs for family members are these, pick up that phone and make sure they’re okay and offer mental support.’
After being jailed in 2011 for murder, Sally Challen served nearly a decade before new evidence showed she had been psychologically abused by her husband Richard for three decades.
In 2015 a law recognised coercive control as a form of domestic abuse and Sally and her family campaigned for her release.
Last June Sally was freed after admitting manslaughter.
Clips from a documentary last year showed Richard posing with two naked models on his Ferrari.
It was later heard that he had sent these images out on Christmas cards in order to humiliate his wife.
Clips were also shown where Sally is playing with her two children, only for her husband to be mocking her clothing.
Despite the abuse Richard put her through, Sally still wears her wedding ring today, as she claims she ‘still misses’ her husband.
The pair met when Sally was 16 and Richard was 22.
Sally also claimed she was raped by Richard and after accusing him of cheating, he then told her she had been ‘going crazy’.
After being jailed in 2011 for murder, Sally Challen served nearly a decade before new evidence showed she had been psychologically abused by her husband Richard for three decades. David helped his mother get released
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