In the lead up to the Sally Challen appeal (to be heard on 27th and 28th February), we will explore the extent to which the concept of coercive and controlling behaviour can be prosecuted as an offence and whether it can be incorporated into a defence in cases involving domestic abuse:

Speakers to include:  

Professor Evan Stark:  Author of “Coercive Control: How Men Entrap Women in Personal Life”, his work influenced the creation of the new criminal offence of ‘coercive and controlling behaviour’ s76 Serious Crime Act 2015, and similar legislation in Scotland and the Irish republic. He has given expert testimony in numerous cases in the U.S and Canada and is an expert witness in the Sally Challen appeal.

Clare Wade QC: Counsel for Sally Challen 

Professor Vanessa Bettinson from De Montfort University: Providing evidence in the criminal courts on domestic violence

David Challen: Son of Sally Challen on growing up under coercive control and the campaign for justice for Sally Challen

Chaired by Harriet Wistrich, solicitor and founder of Justice for Women and the Centre for Women's Justice