April 9–10, 2026 | Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey, BC
Overview
The 16th Annual NEVR Conference brought together over 100 professionals, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders from across British Columbia to advance a shared goal: preventing relationship violence through coordinated, cross-sector action.
As a network dedicated to addressing relationship violence through education, collaboration, and knowledge sharing , NEVR continues to use its annual conference as a platform to bridge research, policy, and real-world practice.
This year’s theme, “Putting Policy into Practice: A Pathway to Prevention,” focused on translating knowledge into practical tools, community strategies, and system-level change.
Conference Highlights
The 2026 conference featured:
- 3 keynote presentations from national and international experts
- 1 interactive keynote workshop
- 7 90-minute workshops
- 14 Cross-sector panel discussions
- Interactive collaboration sessions
Key focus areas included:
- Coercive control and legal responses
- Gender-based violence in immigrant and newcomer communities
- Child and family systems
- Trauma-informed care and mental health
- Digital advocacy and technology
- Community-led prevention strategies
Key Takeaways
Across sessions, several themes emerged:
1. Prevention Must Start Earlier
Participants emphasized shifting from reactive responses to early intervention and prevention, particularly in underserved communities.
2. Coercive Control Requires Greater Recognition
There is a need for improved awareness, training, and policy reform to address non-physical forms of abuse.
3. Systems Must Work Together
Fragmentation across justice, health, and social systems continues to create barriers. Integrated, coordinated approaches are essential.
4. Centering Lived Experience
Survivor voices and community realities must shape policy, programming, and service delivery.
5. Community is Central to Change
Prevention is not the responsibility of one sector. It requires collective action across communities.
Conference Proceedings Report
The full NEVR 2026 Conference Proceedings Report captures the key insights, themes, and recommendations from across the two-day event.
Conference Presentations
Access presentations from keynote speakers and session facilitators:
Collaboration Wall: Collective Ideas for Action
One of the most powerful elements of NEVR 2026 was the Collaboration Wall, where participants shared ideas, reflections, and solutions for advancing violence prevention.
These contributions reflect:
- Cross-sector priorities
- Emerging challenges
- Practical strategies for implementation
Explore the Collaboration Wall Ideas
Conference Gallery
Moments from NEVR 2026 captured the energy, collaboration, and commitment of participants working together toward prevention.
View Conference Photos from Day 1
View Conference Photos from Day 2
Stay Connected
Want to stay engaged with NEVR’s work?
Email us at admin@nevr.org to join our mailing list and receive:
- Community events and updates
- Access to resources and toolkits
- Invitations to our monthly meetings, other NEVR and community events
We’d love to have you as part of our growing network working to prevent relationship violence.