Jennie's Law to create domestic abusers register

THE Government is to bring in Jennie's Law - to name and shame thugs who subject their loved ones to domestic abuse behind closed doors, it has emerged.

- BY MICHAEL O'TOOLE

But the family of Jennifer Poole - the murder victim the new register is to be named after - last night said she would be alive today if it was operating when she met the domestic abuser who later stabbed her to death.

Her brother Jason Poole told this paper: "For us as a family, it is amazing to see that Jennie's law will be there, and that women and men in the future will be protected by that. But we don't get Jennifer back."

Under the new law, being brought to Cabinet for approval by Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan tomorrow, people will have access to a public register that will list the details of anyone convicted of a domestic violence offence.

And Mr Poole - who with his family has campaigned for the register to be set up ever since Jennifer, 24, was stabbed to death by her ex-partner Gavin Murphy in Dublin in April 2021 - says he has no doubt it will save lives.

He said: "This is something that's really, really going to save lives in the future."

We also helped campaign for Jennie's Law and were recognised for it last week when our fight was shortlisted in the Newsbrands Irish Journalism Awards. It is shortlisted for Campaign of the Year.

Jennie's Law will see anyone convicted of domestic violence against a partner or former partner be publicly named on a register of judgements.

The Domestic Violence Register will be managed by the Courts Service - but the victim will have a final say if the abuser can be placed on it for the world to see.

Under Mr O'Callaghan's legislation, convictions will be published online by the Courts Service.

It means anyone entering a new relationship can check the register to see if the man or woman they are dating has a record of domestic abuse and can then decide whether or not to continue seeing them.

Mr O'Callaghan last night paid tribute to Jason and Jennie's family for their fight for the register.