10 November 10:30-13:00: South East Technological University, Waterford – Book Here
11 November 10:30-13:30: Vertigo, Cork County Hall, Cork – Book Here
25 November 10:30-13:30: Strule Arts Centre, Omagh – Book Here
The ‘Five Books That Could Save Your Life’ Tour 2026 is an innovative public education initiative that aims to change the conversation around coercive control.
A moderated panel discusses key books by domestic abuse experts, raising awareness of the dynamics of coercive control and its link to domestic homicide. It also considers domestic abuse prevention and what part men might play in the response.
The ‘5 Books Project’ is a cross-border collaboration between Haven Horizons, a national DSGBV prevention centre and Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid. It is funded by the Shared Island Civic Society Fund (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade).
In 2026, there will be three public events across Ireland where a moderated panel will discuss key books by domestic abuse experts. The 5 selected books are a mixture of powerful personal stories, fiction and books by experts in the field. They include:
- In Control, Dangerous Relationships and how they end in Murder’ by Professor Jane Monckton Smith an academic focusing on the link between coercive control and domestic homicide
- ‘Invisible Chains’ by psychologist Dr Lisa Aronson Fontes
- ‘Deadly Silence: A Sister’s Battle to Uncover the Truth Behind the Murder of Clodagh and Her Sons by Alan Hawe’ by award-winning author and activist Jacqueline Connolly
- ‘The Names’ an acclaimed debut fiction novel by author Florence Knapp
- ‘Every Man’ by Dr Jackson Katz a leading figure in the movement to engage men and boys in the prevention of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
Project Partner
Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid provides confidential support, information and emergency accommodation for women and children affected by domestic abuse.
This project is kindly supported by the Shared Island Civic Society Fund, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The ideas, opinions and comments in this project are entirely the responsibility of the presenters.
