News

University of Galway School of Law is pleased to host the launch of the LIFT Research Project report 'Living Independently & Free from Targeted Abuse (LIFT): Understanding the Experiences of Disabled People', led by Dr Charles O'Mahony. The research project was funded through the Research Ireland New Foundations programme in partnership with the Policing and Community Safety Authority and the report includes evidence-based recommendations to inform legislative and policy reform. 

The event will present the findings of the research examining experiences of mate crime and targeted abuse against disabled people in Ireland. Research on mate crime emerged from lived experience, frontline experiences and efforts to better describe a pattern of abuse that was being overlooked or misclassified. The focus is on friendship or perceptions of trust.

Mate crime occurs when disabled people, particularly those with intellectual disabilities, are manipulated, exploited or abused by people who are friends or trusted persons in their lives. Mate crime can take the form of financial abuse, physical assault, sexual violence, or emotional manipulation.

The launch will also include a private screening of the short film Mate Crime, developed in collaboration with Blue Teapot Theatre Company, followed by a panel discussion.

Date: 29th of May 2026
Time: 10.30am – 12.55pm
Venue:  Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS), University of Galway, Upper Newcastle Road, Galway, Ireland, H91 C7DK

View Mate Crime: LIFT Research Project Launch Schedule

Register Now