8th international EFJCA Conference | 30 November & 1 December 2026 | Portlaoise (Ireland)
Bio Louise Crowley
Louise Crowley is a Professor in the School of Law and Director of the LLM (Children's Rights and Family Law) at UCC. Her research focusses on the adequacy of State responses to the needs of victim/survivors of intimate partner abuse, with reference to Ireland’s international obligations. At UCC, Louise has developed the award-winning Bystander Intervention initiative which is widely recognised as an effective strategy to challenge sexual violence and other harmful behaviours.
It is now delivered across Irish Third level campuses, at second level, to sporting organisations and increasingly in external workplaces. Louise has received the UCC Consultancy Research Project of the Year award and the College of Business and Law Research Impact Award for her work with the Irish Defence Forces, the Inspirational Mentor Women of Vision Award and the Special Merit Award at the Irish Law Awards for this work.
Presentation 'Empowering Bystanders: An all of community response to Ending Domestic Sexual and Gender Based Violence'
The UCC Bystander Intervention programme empowers individuals to intervene in situations where they witness potential or actual harm. It educates participants to better recognise warning signs, to cultivate a sense of responsibility for others, to make safe and effective interventions and offer support to survivors.
By mobilising entire communities, challenging structural inequities, and fostering empathy and understanding, we can work towards a future where everyone feels safe and respected. Building strong, supportive communities is crucial for preventing harassment, sexual harassment and violence and supporting survivors.
Additionally, creating spaces where survivors feel safe to disclose their experiences, access resources, and receive validation and support from their peers is essential. These ongoing efforts to facilitate conversations can dismantle oppressive system and foster belonging, thereby creating meaningful and lasting change in our homes and our communities.
