On 28th November, Sally Challen will appeal her conviction for the murder of her abusive husband Richard, relying on fresh evidence of ‘coercive control’. This form of psychological abuse which can involve manipulation, isolation, degradation and gas-lighting (mind games causing the victim to doubt their own sanity) was dramatised to critical acclaim in Helen Archer’s storyline in 2016, in Radio 4’s The Archers, gaining widespread media coverage and raising public awareness. However, it is still largely misunderstood not only in wider society but also within the criminal justice system itself. Introduced to English Law in 2015, there have so far been very few convictions of the perpetrators of this form of abuse and female survivors such as those represented by Justice for Women are still persecuted in Court.
Emma-Jayne Magson and Farieissia (Fri’) Martin have both lodged appeals against the convictions of the murder of their respective partners. On 22nd November an oral permission hearing will take place for Emma-Jayne’s appeal.
Join us as we discuss our current cases and the legal barriers faced by women who have killed whilst subject to coercive and controlling behaviour and other forms of abuse.
Speakers will include:
Helen Walmsley-Johnson, author of ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ a biographical account of surviving coercive and controlling behaviour.
David Challen – Sally Challen’s son on the campaign to free sally
Harriet Wistrich – Co-founder of Justice for Women and solicitor for Sally Challen and Fri Martin
Clare Wade QC – Barrister for Sally Challen, Fri Martin and Emma-Jayne Magson
Julie Bindel - Journalist and co-founder of Justice for Women
Louise Bullivant – Solicitor for Emma-Jayne Magson
Joanne Smith – Emma-Jayne Magson’s mother
Chaired by Claire Mawer, barrister and member of Justice for Women
Tickets £5 (includes a glass of wine)
Accessibility: the venue is accessed via a couple of steps – a ramp can be provided for wheelchair users. Please advise us in advance if you require ramp access