IREFREA Portugal is part of the European network Instituto Europeu para o Estudo dos Factores de Risco em Crianças e Adolescentes, dedicated to researching risk and protective factors affecting young people and promoting primary prevention. Its work includes studying youth behaviours, particularly substance use in recreational settings and its links to youth groups and subcultures. Active in Portugal since 1998, the organisation has contributed to European research and, since 2006, has developed prevention, risk-reduction and community intervention programmes.

Its initiatives address safety and wellbeing in nightlife and other recreational environments. The Noite Saudável projects work with municipalities and regional partners to promote healthier, safer nightlife and respond to risks such as alcohol and drug use, violence and road accidents. STOP!SV provides training for nightlife professionals to identify, prevent and respond to sexual violence. Tu Decides offers accredited training for teachers and other professionals, while the Promoção de Noite Saudável programme equips staff with strategies for communication, conflict management, responsible alcohol service and first aid.