Fianna Fáil Senator, Fiona O’Loughlin, has called for the Minister for Justice to support a Bill to establish a Domestic Violence Register as it goes to Second Stage in the Seanad today.
The Sex Offenders (Coercive Control) (Amendment) Bill 2023 would establish a domestic violence register allowing those with concerns to ask an Garda Síochána for information about a partner’s violent past. Senator O’Loughlin launched the Bill in October this year with Jason Poole, who has been campaigning for a Domestic Violence Register since his sister, Jennifer, was killed by her ex-partner Gavin Murphy in April 2021. Unknown to Jennifer, Murphy has a history of domestic violence.
Senator O’Loughlin said: “The importance of this Bill cannot be understated. The existence of a Domestic Violence Register could have prevented the murder of Jennifer Poole as it would have meant that she would have been aware of her ex-partner’s history of domestic violence.
“Domestic and Gender-Based Violence is only getting worse. Safe Ireland referred to 2022 as the ‘deadliest year of the decade for women and children’ and Women’s Aid have said that 87% of women are killed by a man known to them. The Register would help prevent murders as it would give the Gardaí a tool to be able to inform somebody, when asked, if their partner has a violent history.
“As the Bill enters Second Stage today it is my hope that it receives the support of the Minister for Justice. I know Minister McEntee has met with Jason to discuss the establishment of a Domestic Violence Register and that officials in her Department are examining the possibility of the Register. We all understand that there are a number of legal and practical issues to be looked at in the establishment of the Register. However, by coming out and supporting the Bill today, the Minister would send a strong message that the state is considering every legislative option to tackle violence against women and do everything it can to protect people in similar situations to Jennifer.”
Jason Poole said: “When Jennifer’s Bill was launched in October, I said it was a day of hope. Hope that my sister has her voice heard with the Bill and that other people won’t die at the hands of perpetrators like she did. My hope continues today. I hope the Minister supports the Bill and gives hope to women in similar situations to my sister. Had there been a domestic violence register for her to check, she might still be with us today.”
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