Jennie’s Law Has Passed in Ireland – What Does It Mean for Victims of Domestic Abuse in England and Wales?
Ireland has recently passed the Domestic Violence (Judgments) Register Bill 2026, more commonly known as Jennie’s Law. Named in memory of Jennifer Poole, who was tragically murdered by her former partner in 2021, the new legislation has been introduced to improve the protection available to victims of domestic abuse by increasing awareness of an offender’s history.
While the law applies only in Ireland, it has prompted wider discussion about how victims of domestic abuse can be protected before further harm occurs. It also raises an important question for those living in England and Wales: what protections are already available here, and could similar reforms be introduced in the future?
What is Jennie’s Law?
Jennie’s Law establishes a Domestic Violence Judgments Register, allowing members of the public to check whether a person has been convicted of certain serious domestic violence offences against a current or former intimate partner.
The legislation is intended to provide greater transparency and enable people to make informed decisions about their personal safety before entering or continuing a relationship. The register will relate to qualifying court convictions and includes safeguards, such as requiring the victim’s consent before an offender’s details can be published.
The law has been widely welcomed by victims’ groups and campaigners, who hope it will help prevent others from unknowingly entering relationships with individuals who have a history of serious domestic abuse.
How Does the Position Differ in England and Wales?
Although England and Wales do not have a public domestic abuse register, there are already important legal safeguards in place.
One of the best-known is Clare’s Law, officially known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.
Unlike Jennie’s Law, Clare’s Law does not create a public register. Instead, it allows individuals to ask the police whether a current or former partner has a known history of domestic abuse or violent behaviour. The police also have the power to make a disclosure proactively where they believe someone may be at risk. Clare’s Law applications have a statutory maximum turnaround time of 28 days. The police will usually make initial contact within 1 -2 days; they will usually meet with you to disclose any relevant information within 10 working days; and complete background checks within 28 days.
This means that, rather than searching a public database, disclosures are considered on a case-by-case basis following a careful assessment of the risk involved.
Both approaches share the same objective: helping to protect people from domestic abuse before further harm occurs. However, they achieve this in different ways.
While not directly linked to domestic abuse, there is also Sarah’s Law, officially known as the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, which allows parents, carers and guardians to ask the police whether someone who has contact with a child has a record of child sexual offences or poses a risk to children. Ireland doesn’t have a direct equivalent of Sarah’s Law in the way England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland do. Instead, Ireland has a police-led discretionary disclosure system for sex offenders, but it’s much narrower and less well known.
Could England and Wales Introduce a Similar Register?
The introduction of Jennie’s Law has inevitably prompted discussion about whether a similar domestic violence register should be introduced in England and Wales.
Supporters argue that a register could provide greater transparency and help people identify potentially dangerous partners before entering a relationship.
Others point to the strengths of the current disclosure system, which allows police to assess each case individually and, where appropriate, disclose relevant information that may not be limited to previous convictions.
Whether the law in England and Wales develops in a similar direction remains to be seen. However, what is clear is that awareness, early intervention and access to legal protection remain essential in helping to keep victims safe.
How We Can Help
Experiencing domestic abuse can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone.
Our Family Law team regularly advises and represents clients seeking urgent protection from domestic abuse. We can provide clear, practical advice on:
Occupation Orders;
Emergency court applications;
Domestic abuse issues arising within Children Act Proceedings; and
The legal options available to help keep you and your family safe.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, seeking legal advice at an early stage can make a significant difference. Our experienced family law solicitors are here to offer confidential advice and support, helping you understand your rights and the protections available to you.