Domestic violence offenders to be named and shamed with 'Jennie's Law'
‘Jennie’s Law’ would see anyone convicted of domestic violence against a current or past partner be named.
A law that would allow domestic violence offenders to be named publicly on a register will go before Cabinet.
‘Jennie’s Law’ would see anyone convicted of domestic violence against a current or past partner be named.
It is named after 24-year-old Jennifer Poole, who was murdered by her ex-partner, 30-year-old Gavin Murphy in 2021.
He had a previous conviction for assaulting a previous partner, as well as a history of abusive behaviour, which Jennie was not aware of.
Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, will tomorrow seek approval to allow the text of Jennie’s Law to be published and to begin the process of passing it through the Oireachtas.
“This public register will help those who are in a relationship or considering a relationship with a person to ascertain whether they have a history of serious domestic violence convictions,” he said.
Minister O’Callaghan also commended Jennie’s brother, Jason Poole, who campaigned for the register to be introduced in Ireland.
He said that the family started to push for a register after Jennie was murdered, so that other families didn’t have to go through the same thing.
Jason said the length of time it has taken to put the register in place has been frustrating though.
“We went through three justice ministers and two governments. We had been very close before, and obviously, there was a general election... The frustration and the anger of not getting there has really taken its toll as a family, but we know we’re at the final hurdle now,” he told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland.
The register will be found on the Courts Service website, with consent needed from survivors of domestic violence before the convicted person is named on it.