The family of Jennifer Poole, a young Irish woman murdered by her violent ex-partner, has expressed fury and disappointment after the Government shelved plans for a domestic violence register. Known as Jennie’s Law, the proposed register was intended to provide greater protection for victims by allowing individuals to check whether their partner had a history of domestic violence. Now, her family is demanding answers from Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan on why this critical measure has been put on hold.

Jennifer Poole’s Tragic Death Sparked Calls for Change

Jennifer Poole was brutally murdered in April 2021 by her ex-partner Gavin Murphy, a man with a history of violent offences against previous partners. The young mother of two had been unaware of Murphy’s violent past, a fact that her family believes cost her life.

Since her tragic death, her brother Jason Poole and other family members have tirelessly campaigned for the introduction of a domestic violence register to help protect women and men from repeat offenders. The proposed system, similar to Clare’s Law in the UK, would have allowed people to request background checks on their partners if they suspected they had a history of domestic violence.

Why Was Jennie’s Law Shelved?

Despite strong public support and widespread acknowledgment of the importance of domestic violence prevention, the Irish Government has now shelved the proposed domestic violence register.

Jennifer’s heartbroken family has called the decision a betrayal to victims of abuse and their loved ones. Jason Poole has requested an urgent meeting with Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, demanding clarity on why the initiative has been abandoned.

Family’s Anger and Call for Urgent Action

Speaking about the Government’s U-turn, Jennifer’s brother Jason said:

“We have fought for this law to be passed in Jennifer’s name to prevent other families from going through the same horror. Now we are being told that it is not happening, with no real explanation as to why.”

He added:
“It is devastating to know that women and men could still fall victim to abusive partners simply because they do not have access to information that could save their lives.”

Jennifer’s family, alongside domestic violence charities and activists, argue that a domestic violence register would serve as a crucial tool in preventing repeat offences and helping victims make informed decisions about their relationships.

The Devastating Reality of Domestic Violence in Ireland

Ireland has witnessed a worrying rise in domestic violence cases in recent years. The latest crime statistics reveal that:

• One in four women and one in six men experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
• Over 30% of homicides in Ireland are linked to domestic violence.
• More than 4,000 domestic abuse reports were made to Gardaí in 2024 alone.

Victims’ advocates argue that preventative measures like Jennie’s Law are urgently needed to stop the cycle of violence before it escalates to murder.

What Would a Domestic Violence Register Achieve?

If implemented, Jennie’s Law would:
✔ Allow individuals to request background checks on their partner if they have concerns about their past.
✔ Enable Gardaí to disclose relevant information to those at risk.
✔ Help prevent repeat offenders from moving between partners undetected.
✔ Provide an early warning system for people unknowingly entering dangerous relationships.

Domestic abuse experts stress that violent offenders rarely stop offending—without intervention, they continue to find new victims.

Public Reaction: Growing Demand for Change

The Government’s decision to shelve Jennie’s Law has sparked widespread outrage among victims’ families, advocacy groups, and the general public. Many believe that the failure to implement the register places more people at risk of domestic violence, coercion, and abuse.

A petition calling for the immediate introduction of the domestic violence register has already gained thousands of signatures. People are urging the Government to reconsider their decision and prioritise victim protection over bureaucracy.

Jennifer Poole’s Family: “We Won’t Stop Fighting”

Despite the setback, Jennifer Poole’s family remains determined to see Jennie’s Law become a reality. Jason Poole vowed that they would continue to fight for change, stating:

“Jennifer was robbed of her future because she didn’t know the man she was with had a history of violence. If we can save even one life by having this law in place, then that is worth fighting for.”

Domestic violence support groups, including Women’s Aid and Safe Ireland, have echoed these sentiments, urging the Government to act now rather than wait for more tragedies to occur.

Will the Government Reconsider?

Following the backlash, there is hope that the Government will revisit the proposal. However, as of now, no formal commitments have been made to reintroduce the legislation.

For Jennifer Poole’s family, and for the countless victims of domestic violence, the fight continues. They refuse to let Jennifer’s death be in vain and will continue to pressure the Irish Government to prioritise the safety of domestic abuse survivors.

Conclusion: The Need for Immediate Action

The decision to shelve Jennie’s Law has left many outraged, but Jennifer Poole’s family refuses to back down. Their determination highlights the urgent need for stronger laws to protect domestic violence victims in Ireland.

While the Government delays, more lives remain at serious risk. The question remains—how many more tragedies need to happen before real action is taken?

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