Longford Women's Link hopeful new domestic violence register will be utilised to expose dangerous perpetrators
Ireland is set to have its first domestic violence judgments register following the approval of Jennie’s Law
Longford Women’s Link - a non-profit social enterprise whose services include trained support for victims of domestic violence - says it warmly welcomes yesterday’s Dáil approval of legislation known as Jennie’s Law.
The passing of this landmark legislation now paves the way for the establishment of Ireland’s first domestic violence judgements register which will publicly list people convicted of serious domestic violence offences against a current or former partner.
Domestic Abuse Response Co-Ordinator with Longford Women’s Link, Natalie O’Reilly, who was in attendance at Leinster House as the law was being passed, said the organisation is hopeful the register “will be fully utilised to expose the most dangerous perpetrators in society.”
The legislation will now go before President Catherine Connolly to be signed into law. It was named in honour of Jennie Poole, a young woman who was murdered by her former partner, Gavin Murphy, in Dublin five years ago.
Ms Poole had been unaware of Murphy’s history of abusive behaviour and previous conviction for assaulting a former partner.
Since her tragic death, Ms Poole’s brother Jason has campaigned for legislation to establish a domestic violence register in the hopes of preventing others from facing a similar situation.
Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, stated that “any form of violence against women - or offences even if they are of a minor nature - are a warning signal and something that people need to be very concerned about.”
He added, “However, I also have to recognise what I am doing in this legislation and what Jennie's law is about. It represents a new departure insofar as it gives a statutory power to the criminal courts in relation to delivering a judgment to be put on the register. That is not a practice in the courts at present.”
Applauding the hard work and determination of Jennie’s brother, Jason Poole, who campaigned for years to achieve yesterday’s passage of legislation, LWL’s Natalie O’Reilly described the result as a fantastic achievement.
“It was a very emotional day when you consider the family's loss and the journey they have been on,” she explained. “It is a fantastic achievement for Jason, his family, and their wider circle of supporters. From launching the petition to seeing the register become a reality, Jason's perseverance, determination, and dedication are a true reflection of who Jennifer was to her family and community.”
Natalie continued, “Members of the Oireachtas spoke beautifully about Jennifer as a person and paid tribute to how her memory will live on through this landmark legislation, helping to protect women and children for generations to come.”
“Women's Link has supported this campaign from the very beginning, and we were honoured to stand with Jennifer's family when the legislation was passed. We warmly welcome the introduction of the register and are hopeful it will be fully utilised to expose the most dangerous perpetrators in society.”
“We must continue working collaboratively to protect and support women and children affected by domestic violence and coercive control. Jennifer's legacy is one that will help strengthen those protections and ensure her memory continues to make a difference.”
Longford Women’s Link is based in Willow House, Ardnacassa Avenue, Longford Town, N39 H6R7.
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