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The brother of murdered Jennifer Poole – who was killed by her former partner – has been reassured by the Minister for Justice new legislation to include a domestic abuse register will be called ‘Jennie’s Law.’
Mum-of-two Jennifer was stabbed to death by her ex, Gavin Murphy, in 2021 in her apartment in Melville Drive, Finglas in north Dublin when she was just 24.
Evil 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 horror murder, Jennifer’s brother Jason has been campaigning for a domestic violence register – Jennie’s Law – which would allow those with concerns to ask authorities for information about a partner’s violent past and help stop the violence against women.
Last week, Jason said he had a ‘very productive’ meeting with Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, senator Fiona O’Loughlin and Paul McAuliffe TD.
“The meeting was very productive and I found that both myself and the minister are on the same page in relation to a register which would protect men and women into the future,” Jason said, speaking with the Irish Mirror.
“At the meeting we discussed a current proposal put forward by the Minister and his team. I had the opportunity to speak at length about what I want Jennie’s law to look like.
“I have been given the proposal to examine and get independent legal advice on it.
“I want to ensure along with Minister O’Callaghan that this will move forward in a positive way to support victims into the future.
“The minister was very clear this piece of legislation will be known as Jennies Laws something which I have campaigned for from the very start as if this legislation was in place my sister would still be here today.
“There was a lot of conversation in the Dail this week following the recent shocking figures released by Women’s aid. I have heard both my name and my sister’s name mentioned in the Chamber.
“This is a very positive aspect in ensuring that this piece of legislation once introduced will have the support of the House both government and opposition parties.
“I will begin meeting with opposition parties in the coming weeks to outline and explain the plan and seek their support.
“We have a lot done but a lot still to do and the support of the people in this country is important in moving this forward. We continue to need your support.
“We need the support of men especially as allies to this crime or domestic violence,” said Jason.
“We need men to call it out and I hope once this legislation is introduced we will see its impact in the courts system.
“I am extremely grateful for the support from the public to date, Senator Fiona O’Loughlin and my local TD Paul McAuliffe for the continued support and belief.
“We know this legislation will work, people are calling for it and the government needs to act on the brief they were given when elected by the people into positions.
“I have full confidence in Minister Jim O’Callaghan to do the right thing and bring in Jennies Law,” Jason said, adding “As a family we will now look at this proposal and have a range of meetings planned in the coming weeks to progress this to the next stage.”
Earlier this year Jason set up a petition campaigning for the creation of Jennie’s Law Domestic Abuse Register which garnered nearly 28,000 signatures online and thousands more in physical signatures.
We at the Irish Mirror have been supporting Jason in his campaign for ‘Jennie’s Law.’
Last week, Women’s Aid released its latest report which revealed the highest number of complaints in 50 years.
The report shockingly revealed increased reports of all forms of abuse against women last year, with physical abuse up 22%; sexual abuse up 30%; emotional abuse up 15% and economic abuse up 5%.
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