Ep #355 Inside the Landmark Cases of Sally Challen and John Worboys with Harriet Wistrich

In this episode, Laura interviews pioneering human rights lawyer and CEO of the Centre for Women's Justice, Harriet Wistrich, whose groundbreaking work has helped transform the way the justice system responds to male violence against women and girls. Together, Laura and Harriet analyse landmark cases including John Worboys and Sally Challen, the campaign to criminalise coercive control, and the legal mechanisms used to keep dangerous offenders behind bars. Harriet also shares the realities of fighting for systemic change through strategic litigation, the legacy of the botched investigation into serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, the role feminism has played in exposing institutional misogyny, and why behavioural patterns-not isolated incidents -must remain central to understanding male violence against women. This is a fascinating conversation about justice, accountability, law reform, and the power of persistence in changing systems that have historically failed women. For a deeper dive in to the John Worboys case and Harriet’s successful legal challenge, listen to the Ringleader and Lifer live interview in the Crime Analyst Squad. The legal judgments and documents referenced during that discussion are also available exclusively in the episode post. Listen to The Forgotten Victims. Laura’s investigative series about serial killer Peter Sutcliffe and the botched investigation: https://www.crime-analyst.com/case-001-the-forgotten-victims/ Listen to the Joanna Simpson Case : This series examines the brutal killing of Joanna Simpson by her estranged husband Robert Brown, the shocking manslaughter verdict and planned automatic release, and the campaign led by her family, friends and Crime Analyst listeners that helped keep him behind bars. Listen and learn about Sally Challen and the extraordinary story behind the landmark case that changed the legal landscape for victims of coercive control. 36: The Crime Analyst | Ep 36 | Deconstructing Coercive Control with Jess Hill, Part 1 Ep 261: The Unthinkable: A Story of Control, Violence and My Mother with David Challen Ep 323 Coercive Control: A Child's Unthinkable Journey with David Challen Ep 325: Coercive Control: A Child’s Unthinkable Journey with David Challen, Part 2 In This Episode Harriet Wistrich's journey into law and women's rights advocacy How feminism shaped her career and influenced legal reform The legacy of Peter Sutcliffe and institutional misogyny Understanding coercive control and why behavioural patterns matter The campaign to criminalise coercive control Sally Challen precedential case The two successful legal challenges to stop the release of serial sex offender John Worboys and hold the police accountable Strategic litigation and holding institutions accountable for failures The future of protecting women and girls through legal reform #HarrietWistrich #CoerciveControl #SallyChallen #JohnWorboys #PeterSutcliffe #DomesticAbuse #MaleViolence #CrimeAnalyst #Expert #Analysis #Behaviour #TrueCrime #Podcast #Crime More from Harriet Wistrich Harriet's acclaimed book, Sister in Law: Fighting for Justice in a System Designed by Men Centre for Women’s Justice Clip https://youtu.be/ygyObQ7249c?si=fMZGcRHcpdtA1wQ3 Sources DSD High Court Judgment (2014) DSD & NBV & Others Judgment (2018) UKSC Judgment (2018) Support Crime Analyst If you value these conversations, please follow, rate, and review Crime Analyst wherever you listen to podcasts. Sharing episodes helps us educate more people about coercive control, stalking, domestic abuse and homicide prevention. For exclusive episodes, live events and behind-the-scenes content, join the Crime Analyst Squad on Patreon. Laura’s Resources and Training information: www.dashriskchecklist.com    www.thelaurarichards.com    Crime Analyst YouTube, Socials and Website    YouTube @crimeanalyst     Facebook Crime Analyst Podcast    Instagram @crimeanalyst @laurarichards999    Threads @crimeanalyst    X @thecrimeanalyst @laurarichards999     TikTok @crimeanalystpod    Website www.crime-analyst.com     Leave a 5* Review https://www.crime-analyst.com/reviews/new/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices