Wicklow support services welcome ‘Jennie’s Law’ as domestic violence register moves closer
The Wicklow PeopleCampaigners and support services in Wicklow have welcomed plans to introduce a public register of serious domestic violence convictions, describing the proposed legislation as an important step towards increasing awareness and helping to protect potential victims.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan is expected to seek Cabinet approval this week for the Domestic Violence (Judgments) Register Bill 2026, commonly known as Jennie’s Law. The legislation, named in memory of Jennifer Poole, would allow judgments relating to serious domestic violence offences to be published on a publicly accessible register hosted by the Courts Service.
“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,” said Mr O’Callaghan.
The Minister added that “if a person is convicted of a serious criminal offence before the courts, that is a public conviction and the public are entitled to know about that conviction.”
Ms Poole was tragically murdered by her former partner, Gavin Murphy, in 2021.
At trial, her family learned that Murphy had a history of domestic violence and had previously served a sentence for an attack on a former partner and her mother in 2015.
In the aftermath of the trial, which found Murphy guilty, Ms Poole’s brother, Jason Poole, stated that the introduction of a domestic violence register was needed, and after several years of campaigning, it is now on the cusp of becoming a reality.
In a statement, Bray Women’s Refuge, which provides emergency accommodation, advocacy and support services to women and children experiencing domestic abuse across Wicklow, welcomed the introduction of Jennie’s Law but stressed that it must not be viewed as a standalone solution to domestic abuse.
“We welcome the introduction of Jennie’s Law and recognise it as an important step forward in increasing awareness of domestic abuse and strengthening accountability for perpetrators,” the refuge said.
Jason Poole, brother of Jennie Poole, at her memorial garden in Beneavin nursing home. Photo: Mark Condren
“The legislation has the potential to help people make more informed decisions about their safety and may prevent others from experiencing the devastating consequences that Jennifer Poole and her family endured.”
However, the organisation noted that domestic abuse remains significantly underreported and warned that the proposed register would only capture perpetrators who have been prosecuted and convicted through the courts.
“We know from our work with victims that many face enormous barriers to reporting abuse, including fear, coercion, financial dependence and concerns about their safety,” the statement said.
“As a result, many perpetrators never come to the attention of the criminal justice system.”
The refuge added that while Jennie’s Law represented a positive development, it could not be regarded as “the solution to domestic abuse”.
“We need to see continued investment in specialist support services, stronger intervention and monitoring of perpetrators, and a justice system that places responsibility for abuse firmly with those who perpetrate it,” the statement continued.
“For too long, victims have carried the burden of reporting, protecting themselves and navigating complex systems to achieve safety. Real progress will come when our collective response focuses not only on supporting victims, but on preventing abuse and holding perpetrators accountable for their behaviour.”
Meanwhile, Tiglin co-founder and Senator Aubrey McCarthy described the legislation as an important measure in protecting victims of domestic abuse.
“Jennie’s Law is a necessary step toward the transparency and protection that victims of domestic violence have been denied for far too long,” he said.
“As I said in the Seanad, ‘safety is what women and children in this country deserve’ and this legislation finally recognises that truth.
“A public register will not undo the harm already done, but it will give people the chance Jennifer Poole never had, the chance to know the danger before it reaches their door.”
However, Senator McCarthy said the legislation alone would not be enough to address domestic abuse.
“But a register alone is not enough. We still need the refuge spaces promised, the victim supports expanded and the systemic failures confronted head-on,” he said.
“Zero tolerance must be more than a slogan; it must be delivered. “The senator also reflected on his own experience growing up in a home affected by domestic violence.
“As a young child growing up in County Kildare, there was domestic violence in my own house,” he said.
“My mother was a wonderful lady and a figurehead for us all to look up to. She had to go through the courts. There was very little protection at that time. There were no refuges and nowhere to go.”
“It was a very dark time of my life. I have no doubt it impacted on me and influenced my setting up Tiglin, whereby we help women who are marginalised and have set up various safe places for women.”