The tragic murder of Jennifer Poole shook the nation in April 2021. The 24-year-old mother of two was brutally stabbed to death in her Finglas home by her ex-boyfriend, Gavin Murphy—a man with a known history of violence against women. Fight for ‘Jennie’s Law’ to Protect Women from Violent Abusers
Jennifer’s murder was not an isolated incident. Murphy had 13 previous convictions, including one for physically assaulting a former partner and her mother, for which he had served time in prison. Despite this, Jennifer was unaware of his violent past when she entered a relationship with him.
Now, her brother, Jason Poole, is campaigning for ‘Jennie’s Law’—a vital reform that would ensure that individuals with a history of domestic abuse and violence against women cannot hide their past from new partners. The government has acknowledged the importance of this law but has yet to implement it. Jason, alongside campaigners across the country, is demanding urgent action before more lives are lost.
Too many women in Ireland have been murdered by men with documented histories of domestic violence. How many more families must endure such loss before real change is made?
What is Jennie’s Law?
Jennie’s Law seeks to introduce legal measures that allow individuals to be informed if their partner has a violent history, similar to ‘Clare’s Law’ in the UK. This could potentially save lives by preventing abusive individuals from hiding their past.
Take Action Now
The government has promised to introduce this law, but words are not enough. We need immediate action. You can help by emailing Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan at jim.ocallaghan@oireachtas.ie, urging him to prioritize the implementation of Jennie’s Law. CC Sinn Féin’s Justice Spokesperson Pa Daly at Pa.Daly@Oireachtas.ie to ensure accountability.
Below is a sample letter you can copy and paste to demand urgent action:
Sample Letter: Demand Urgent Implementation of Jennie’s Law
Subject: Implement Jennie’s Law Now – Protect Women from Domestic Violence
Dear Minister O’Callaghan,
I am writing to you as a concerned citizen to urge the immediate implementation of Jennie’s Law. As you know, Jennifer Poole was brutally murdered in April 2021 by her ex-partner Gavin Murphy— a man with a well-documented history of violence against women. If Jennifer had been made aware of his past, she might still be alive today.
Far too many women in Ireland have been murdered by men with histories of domestic abuse. It is unacceptable that abusers are allowed to hide their past and enter new relationships without any safeguards in place. Jennie’s Law would ensure that individuals have the right to know if they are at risk from a violent partner.
The government has stated that it will introduce this legislation, but words alone are not enough. We need immediate action to prevent further tragedies. I urge you to bring Jennie’s Law onto the statute books without further delay.
For accountability, I have CC’d Sinn Féin’s Justice Spokesperson, Pa Daly, in this email.
I look forward to your response and, more importantly, to seeing decisive action taken to protect women from domestic violence.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Location]
Fight for ‘Jennie’s Law’ to Protect Women from Violent Abusers
