The Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) RiVeR Project recently hosted its third Annual Community of Practice Conference, themed Educating for Change: Celebrating a Decade of DSGBV Education at DkIT. The event brought together almost 250 stakeholders from organisations across Ireland, including elected representatives, with a shared aim of strengthening education and support provision and developing an all-island community of practice for professionals working in Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV).
Delegates included leading voices, advocates and graduates, who reflected on ten years of progress in addressing DSGBV through accredited education and collaboration in DkIT.
Since its establishment in DkIT in 2023, the RiVeR Project, which is supported by the Higher Education Authority’s Performance Funding Scheme, has strengthened education, research and training in the area of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV). It now supports a Community of Practice of approximately 1,100 members nationwide through regular knowledge-sharing events and workshops. The team has developed several education programmes, including a Level 8 Certificate in Understanding and Responding to DSGBV, launched in 2024, Micro-Credentials and a Master’s programme currently in development. In late 2024, the RiVeR Project launched ‘In Their Shoes,’ an experiential learning toolkit now being rolled out across Ireland following ‘Train-the-Trainer’ workshops. The team also hosts a very popular podcast series, ‘Insights into Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.’
The conference opened with a video address from Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan T.D., who commended the excellent work that the RiVeR Project does every day responding to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, in addition to the impact of the project in such a short period of time.
Speaking to the audience, Minister O’Callaghan said: “The work of The RiVeR Project sits neatly alongside the government’s zero tolerance response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. What you are doing matters to the people who you are helping. It matters to survivors seeking safety and justice. It matters to communities striving to prevent harm before it occurs. Your work is challenging, complex and demanding, but it’s also transformative and life-changing. I want to thank The RiVeR Project team at Dundalk Institute of Technology for your leadership and commitment, and I wish you every success with today’s conference.”
Dr. Edel Healy, Head of School of Health & Science at DkIT welcomed attendees, followed by an update on the RiVeR Project and the launch of eight new RiVeR Project DSGBV education and training videos by Dr. Kathleen Nallen, RiVeR Project Lead. These resources will be made available to a broad range of organisations and aim to strengthen
awareness, recognition and professional responses to DSGBV. Kathleen also introduced the new Micro-Credential ‘Certificate in the Fundamentals of Coercive Control’ programme which will commence in March 2026 in DkIT.
Highlights of the conference included a powerful keynote address by Nicola Douglas, European Regional Manager at the Safe & Together Institute. Nicola’s talk, ‘Changing the Lens: The Safe & Together Model’s Journey from Innovation to Impact’, emphasised systemic change in child welfare and domestic abuse responses. Speaking after the event, Nicola said:
“It was an honour to speak at DkIT’s RiVeR Project conference and celebrate a decade of groundbreaking DSGBV education. It demonstrates the power of bringing practitioners, researchers, and advocates together to strengthen our collective response to domestic abuse and create meaningful, lasting change in how systems support children and families affected by abuse”
A fireside chat with DkIT graduates showcased the real-world impact of DSGBV education on their careers and communities. Graduates of DkIT programmes shared the impact of their education on their careers and the importance of a strong knowledge and awareness of DSGBV in their roles. Afternoon sessions featured oral presentations across four parallel rooms, highlighting research, practice innovations, and collaborative projects.
The event concluded with renewed momentum for advancing DSGBV education and practice across Ireland and beyond.
Dr. Kathleen Nallen commented: “This conference not only celebrates a decade of progress but reinforces our commitment to creating safer communities through education and partnership.”
Dr. Edel Healy added: “The RiVeR project community of practice continues to grow and foster collaboration and dialogue in the field of DSGBV across Ireland and provide education and training resources in response to the needs of the sector.”
