NEVR’s 16th Annual Conference: “Putting Policy into Practice: A Pathway to Prevention.”

NEVR’s 16th Annual Conference: “Putting Policy into Practice: A Pathway to Prevention.”

When

April 9, 2026 - April 10, 2026    
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
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Where

Kwantlen Polytechnic University
12666 72 Ave, Surrey, BC, V3W 2M8

Event Type

Map Unavailable

About the Conference

Date: April 9–10, 2026
Venue: Kwantlen Polytechnic University – Surrey Campus

Ticket Prices

  • Early Bird (until March 9, 2026): $100

  • General Registration (after March 9, 2026): $150

Register Now: Here

Since 2011, the Network to Eliminate Violence in Relationships (NEVR) has convened cross-sector leaders, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and advocates to advance coordinated responses to gender-based and relationship violence across British Columbia.

Our 16th Annual Conference focuses on translating policy commitments into meaningful, prevention-focused action. Across the two-day conference, participants will have access to 6 in-depth workshops (90-minute sessions) and 15 presentations (25-minute sessions). The program is intentionally designed to balance extended skill-building workshops with shorter, research- and practice-focused presentations and panels. This structure allows attendees to engage deeply with implementation strategies while also being exposed to a wide range of emerging research, community initiatives, policy insights, and frontline innovations in violence prevention and coordinated response.

2026 Keynote Speakers

Keynote 1

April 9, 2026. Time: 9:30am to 10:30am (PT)

Dr. Charlotte Barlow
Associate Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Leeds
Vice President, British Society of Criminology

Topic:
Learning Lessons from the Criminalization of Coercive and Controlling Behavior Ten Years On: The Implementation Journey in England and Wales

This presentation examines the challenges and opportunities of implementing coercive and controlling behaviour (CCB) legislation, drawing on a decade of research since its criminalization in England and Wales, and highlights key lessons and prevention-focused implications for Canada.

Keynote 2

April 9, 2026. Time: 1:30pm to 2:30pm (PT)

Dr. Wendy Aujla
Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice, Athabasca University

Topic:
Beyond the Dyadic Model: Reframing Help-Seeking, Community Initiatives, and Policy for Immigrant Women Experiencing Gender-Based Violence

This keynote challenges traditional victim-perpetrator models of gender-based violence, highlighting how immigrant women’s help-seeking is shaped by immigration status, extended family dynamics, stigma, and systemic barriers. Drawing on research and community initiatives, it calls for culturally responsive, prevention-focused approaches and outlines practical strategies for strengthening policy and service delivery.

Keynote 3

April 10, 2026. Time: 9:05am to 10:05am (PT)

Gurpreet Kaur & Manjot Kaur
The Kaur Movement

Topic:
From Silence to Safety: How Digital Advocacy Turns Policy into Prevention in Relationship Violence

This keynote explores how survivor-led digital advocacy translates policy into prevention by using social media and public education to challenge harmful relationship norms, support early disclosures, and address ongoing systemic gaps. It highlights how grassroots digital platforms strengthen prevention efforts and expand access for marginalized communities.

Interactive Keynote Workshop

April 10, 2026. Time: 12:45pm – 3:45pm (PT)

Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth
BC Representative for Children & Youth

Ryan Panton
Chair, BC Child Death Review Unit, Office of the Chief Coroner

Topic:
From Review to Action: Strengthening Cross-Sector Responses to Gender-Based Violence in British Columbia

This interactive session draws on three major British Columbia reports:

  • The British Columbia Legal System’s Treatment of Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence: Final Report (Stanton, 2025)
  • The Representative for Children and Youth Annual Report 2024/25 and Service Plan 2025/26–2027/28 (Charlesworth, 2025)
  • A forthcoming 2026 report to the BC Chief Coroner, A Review of Intimate Partner Violence‑Related Deaths in British Columbia, 2016–2024.

Together, these reports illuminate critical system gaps, cross‑sector challenges, and opportunities to strengthen responses for individuals, children, and families affected by violence. The session will begin with a concise 30‑minute presentation outlining key recommendations emerging across the three reports. Following the presentation, facilitators will guide participants through structured, practice‑oriented discussions focused on translating provincial recommendations into concrete organizational strategies. Working in small, cross‑sector groups, participants will identify feasible actions such as policy alignment, practice improvements, enhanced inter‑agency collaboration, strengthened risk‑review processes, and data‑informed decision‑making, with a clear emphasis on preventing DV, IPV, and sexual violence.

Why Attend?

  • Gain insights from national and international keynote speakers
  • Explore practical, prevention-focused strategies that move policy into action
  • Strengthen cross-sector collaboration across health, justice, education, and community services
  • Learn about innovative research, community initiatives, and system improvements
  • Contribute to meaningful dialogue on coordinated responses to gender-based violence
  • Expand your professional network through dedicated networking sessions with policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and community leaders

Register Today

Spots are limited.

Ticket Prices

  • Early Bird (until March 9, 2026): $100

  • General Registration (after March 9, 2026): $150

Secure your place: Here

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