Portlaoise, Ireland — 30 November & 1 December 2026

8th international EFJCA Conference: Building safety together

Engaging Men and Boys, Preventing Femicide and Advancing Risk Management in Integrated Responses to Violence Against Women

The EFJCA and Laois Domestic Abuse Service, together with valued local partners, welcome you to the 8th International EFJCA Conference in Portlaoise, Ireland, on 30 November and 1 December 2026.

As Europe continues to strengthen its response to gender-based violence and domestic violence, new challenges and opportunities are emerging. While multidisciplinary collaboration remains at the heart of effective intervention, increasing attention is being given to the prevention of femicide, the identification and management of high-risk cases, the engagement of men and boys as allies in prevention, and the need for stronger accountability and behavioural change among perpetrators.

The conference programme combines keynote presentations, expert panel discussions and interactive Q&A sessions, offering participants both in-depth knowledge and practical opportunities for exchange and reflection. Over the course of two days, the conference will bring together internationally recognised speakers and experts from a wide range of disciplines, including academia, medicine, law, public policy, Family Justice Centers, perpetrator programmes and prevention initiatives. Participants will hear from leading researchers, policymakers and practitioners working at the forefront of violence prevention, victim safety and multidisciplinary intervention.

The programme is organised around four themes:

Family Justice Centres and Multi-Agency Working explores coordinated practice and the role of survivor perspectives in shaping effective responses.

Working with Perpetrators, Engaging Men and Boys, and Bystander Action examines perpetrator accountability, prevention and community responsibility.

Femicide, Risk Assessment and Risk Management, and Forced Suicides brings together research and practice on recognising risk, preventing serious harm and improving responses.

Sexual Violence, Exploitation and Emerging Forms of Abuse addresses sexual violence and exploitation, non-fatal strangulation, abuse during and after pregnancy, and technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Together, these sessions offer space to share knowledge, reflect on practice and strengthen the partnerships needed to build safer communities