Murdered woman's family set up petition for 'open and transparent' domestic violence register
David Poole holds a framed photo of his murdered sister, Jennifer, as her family and friends gathered outside the Central Criminal Court in 2022 where Gavin Murphy received a life sentence for murdering Jennifer Poole. File picture: Collins Courts
The family of a murdered woman has set up a petition calling for an “open and transparent” domestic violence register, claiming had there been one in place, their sister may not have died.
Jennifer Poole was 24 when she was murdered by her ex-partner Gavin Murphy at her home in Finglas, west Dublin on April 17, 2021.
The mother of two was beaten and stabbed to death – her killer is now serving a life sentence for her murder. Murphy had a history of abusive behaviour towards a former partner when he met Ms Poole and had been convicted of assaulting her.
Now the Poole family has launched a campaign to try and legislate for a domestic violence register under “Jennie’s Law”. The register would contain the details of anyone here who has a conviction for domestic violence.
Speaking to the , Jennifer’s brother Jason said: “The State failed my sister because she didn’t know he had a conviction for domestic violence already." There has been a good reaction to this campaign, he said.
“We can’t keep up with the amount of people who want the paper version of the petition posted to them. It just shows you that this is really taken off and it is not just one family’s story, it’s for the whole of society that this law is needed for”.
He added that “Jennie’s Law” which is the first proposal of its kind, could “help save lives".
“It is too late for my sister.
The family will mark the fourth anniversary of Jennifer’s death next month and Jason Poole said campaigning in memory of his sister is “what keeps the family going”.
“We are not going to stop until we get this over the line. This will also keep Jennifer’s memory alive; it will be her legacy because the system let her down and they are letting down women every day. We have not even started the grieving process. Mam isn't dealing with it - she is fine one minute then you’ll find her sitting crying and helpless.”
The Department of Justice said a register is being considered to ensure a person in an intimate relationship can be informed of a serious risk to them where a new partner has a history of domestic violence.
"Minister O’Callaghan has requested officials to examine proposals to establish a register or mechanism that would facilitate disclosure of information in respect of an offender’s prior convictions where there is a risk of harm. This would apply to individuals convicted on indictment of an offence against an intimate partner, or former intimate partner, subject to court discretion and victim consent.
"The department is consulting with relevant stakeholders as careful consideration is required of the legal and policy implications of how the proposals would work in practice."
