This month is the first anniversary of the release from prison of my mother, Sally Challen. She was freed after almost a decade in jail, convicted of killing my father in August 2010. Her landmark appeal not only recognised that she was a victim of my father’s coercive and controlling behaviour. It also improved understanding — inside and outside the legal system — of the complexities of abusive relationships.

Originally sentenced to life in prison for murder, my mother was portrayed by the prosecution as a jealous, resentful and vindictive wife who had plotted to kill a devoted husband. The campaign to free her sought recognition of the psychological abuse she suffered.

In reality my mother had been manipulated and abused by my father