2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Nicola Donnelly)
A petition set up by murdered Jennifer Poole’s brother less than a month ago, urging the Justice Minister to introduce ‘Jennie’s Law’ domestic abuse register, has now gained over 32k signatures - as Jason calls on the Minister to “listen to the people.” Mum-of-two Jennifer , was stabbed to death by her ex, Gavin Murphy, four years ago on April 17, 2021 in her apartment in Melville Drive, Finglas in north Dublin when she was just 24. Murphy is currently serving a life sentence for her murder.
Jennifer was unaware Murphy had a history of abusive behaviour, including a conviction for assaulting a former partner. She believed Murphy had just returned from Spain, when in fact he had been in jail. Since her death, Jennifer’s brother, Jason has been campaigning for a domestic abuse register called ‘Jennie’s Law’ - which would allow those with concerns to ask authorities for information about a partner’s violent past.
And now Jason is again calling on the Department of Justice, the Minister for Justice and the Attorney General “to listen to the people who are impacted by this crime and for many of the women and men who will be saved by this register into the future". Speaking of the success of the campaign to highlight and create awareness for Jennie’s Law domestic abuse register, Jason said he and his family “are delighted,” - but also said it is not something any family should have to do following the tragic death of a loved one at the hands of their partner or ex-partner. “The campaign has been successful to date with over 32K signatures in such a short period of time,” Jason told Irish Mirror.
“And there are hundreds of written petition sheets still out and many still engaging in the online petition,” Jason said, and thanked those who have taken the time to support him and his family in their bid to “protect the next generation". However, he said while it is “good news” he said “it’s not something any family should have to do following the tragic and untimely death of Jennifer". “On our campaign we have engaged with many victims, survivors and the general public who are astonished that something like a domestic abuse register is not already in place in Ireland,” Jason continued.
“Many people are asking us to march to Dail Eireann and that they will be there to show solidarity and support for Jennie’s,” said Jason. And he said he is again calling on the Department of Justice and the attorney general “to listen to the people who are impacted by this crime and for many of the women and men who will be saved by this register into the future". “We won’t get our beloved Jennifer back but we will not back down and we will not go away until we get a domestic abuse register named in memory of Jennifer,” said Jason.
“It’s time that officials sit down and draft this legislation, give it the time and dignity that it deserves instead of waiting on further situations like Jennifer’s to accrue. “The time is now for this register,” Jason said, calling on the Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan to “listen to the people, protect women and men and show these perpetrators that they can’t keep continuing this cycle of abuse so freely without any consequences.” To support Jennie’s Law campaign and sign the petition: Protect Lives – Create Jennie’s Law: A Domestic Abuse Register for Ireland Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
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