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Welcome to the survey page for the LIFT Project – Living Independently & Free from Targeted Abuse: Understanding the Experiences of Disabled People. This national study explores how disabled people experience mate crime (a form of targeted abuse or exploitation by people assumed to be friends) and examines how community safety, legal, and policing respond.

This research is being carried out by the University of Galway in partnership with the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland, Blue Teapot Theatre Company, and is funded by Research Ireland in partnership with the Policing and Community Safety Authority.

Take the Survey

We invite disabled people, self-advocates, service providers, community safety professionals, Gardaí, family members and any other relevant stakeholders to complete our national survey.  It takes approximately 15–20 minutes to complete.

Deadline: Friday, 5 September 2025.

Click here to complete the survey.

Easy Read Survey

We have developed an easy read version of the survey. This can be downloaded below. This can be filled out and emailed or posted to Dr Charles O’Mahony (see contact information below).

Click here for the Easy Read version of the survey.

If you would like support to complete the survey or require any accommodations, or support please contact the research team Charles and Fiona (see below).

About the Survey

• Your responses will help us better understand the experiences of mate crime and how services can be improved.
• All responses are anonymous.
• Participation is voluntary, and you may stop the survey at any time.

This survey is part of a broader inclusive research project that also includes focus groups, interviews, and the development of a co-produced audio-visual piece by Blue Teapot Theatre Company.

Contact

Dr Charles O’Mahony

Associate Professor in Law
School of Law, University of Galway, Galway, H91 TK33
📧 charles.omahony@universityofgalway.ie
📞 +353 (0)91 494391

Fiona McNulty

Researcher
School of Law, University of Galway, Galway, H91 TK33
📧 fiona.mcnulty@universityofgalway.ie

Your Privacy

This project has received ethical approval from the University of Galway Research Ethics Committee.  All survey responses will be stored securely and will not identify you. The research follows strict data protection guidelines under the GDPR.

Further Information

Click here for the participant information sheet.