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The tragic story of Christine Chambers and her daughter Shania is one that exemplifies the darkest corners of domestic abuse and the heartbreaking failures of the systems meant to protect. As we discuss the chilling history of violence that culminated in their deaths, we also reflect on the resilience and enduring spirit of Christine's other daughter, Chelsea, and her two older sons. 

In June 2011 just hours before they were due at a custody hearing Christine Chambers and her two year old daughter Shania were killed by her ex-partner David Oakes. Her other daughter managed to escape and raise the alarm. David was a man with a violent history who breached non-molestation orders many times since Christine had broken up with him – he wasn’t sanctioned at all and instead was free to kill Christine, Shania and try and kill Chelsea. There was more the police and other services could and should have done. 

This is the story of Christine and Shania Chambers. 

Information and support 

·       Samaritans UK Contact Us | Samaritans 

·       National Domestic Violence Helpline UK 0808 2000 247 

·       Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) Home - AAFDA 

·       Women’s Aid www.womensaid.org.uk  

·       Mental health support USA I'm looking for mental health help for myself | Mental Health America (mhanational.org) 

·       Domestic abuse helpline USA 1.800.799.SAFE Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org) 

References 

'As I ran for help, I knew evil stepdad would kill my mum and baby sister' - Mirror Online

David Oakes jailed for ex-partner and daughter murders - BBC News

David Oakes: Double murderer had 'violent reputation' - BBC News

Emma Kenny True Crime https://youtu.be/Gyq9bpXYgMs?si=nakiQ0dOagFVMPOR

IPCC report braintreeandwithamtimes.co.uk/resources/files/23911/

david-oakes-sentencing-remarks-11052012.pdf (judiciary.uk)

labyrinth-domestic-abuse-injunctions-final-1.pdf (rightsofwomen.org.uk)

Essex Police's Approach to Managing Cases of Domestic Abuse - His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (justiceinspectorates.gov.uk)

Credits 

Hosted and created by Clare Laxton @ladylaxton 

Produced by: Clare Laxton  

Killer in the family podcast (buzzsprout.com)

Music by Tom Box and from Pixabay. 

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