International coercive-control expert Dr Lisa Fontes is coming to Cork to ask if we can identify the warning signs of domestic homicide before it is too late.
The Cork event is part of an unprecedented all-island project putting five books on coercive control, domestic homicide and men's role in prevention at the centre of a public conversation.
The ‘5 Books That Could Save Your Life’ tour 2026 will arrive at Vertigo, County Hall Cork on, on 11 November 2026 at 10.30 am.
A panel moderated by Irish Examiner columnist Sarah Harte will discuss 5 key books, that challenge how we understand coercive control, examine its links to domestic homicide, and highlight the important role men can play in preventing domestic abuse.
The panel will include Noelle Collins, Training and Programmes Manager from Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid and Barney McElhom, retired District Judge Derry. Madeline Mc Aleer, CEO of Haven Horizons, will give the keynote speech.
The 5 selected books are a mixture of memoir, fiction and books by experts and practitioners 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’ is 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
These books are part of a wider donation of 80 books on domestic, sexual, and gender-based abuse, donated by Haven Horizons to Libraries across Ireland.
This project is kindly sponsored 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.
The event is free, but registration is required: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1984052681981?aff=oddtdtcreator
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