Oireachtas Passes 2 Domestic Violence Bills as Ireland Records 8 Violent Killings of Women
Updated
Updated · The Irish Times · Jul 11
Oireachtas Passes 2 Domestic Violence Bills as Ireland Records 8 Violent Killings of Women
1 articles · Updated · The Irish Times · Jul 11
Summary
Two 2026 bills have cleared the Oireachtas: Valerie’s Law strips guardianship rights from a parent convicted of killing the other parent, and Jennie’s Law creates a public register for serious domestic violence offenders.
Eight women have been killed violently in Ireland so far this year—already above last year’s total—prompting renewed scrutiny after the killing of Jamey Carney in Killarney.
Valerie’s Law followed years of campaigning by David French, whose sister Valerie was killed by her husband in 2019; Jennie’s Law is named for Jennifer Poole, murdered by her former partner in 2021.
Women’s Aid says 286 women have died violently in Ireland since 1996, with 82 killings on the island since 2020; six in 10 victims were killed at home and almost nine in 10 knew the killer.
Campaigners and Women’s Aid link femicide to domestic abuse, coercive control and online misogyny, while urging women to seek help and awaiting President Catherine Connolly’s signature.
As Ireland passes new laws to combat femicide, is it overlooking the growing threat of online misogyny?
With femicide rates rising, what is the real key to protecting women from partners in their own homes?
Jennie's Law and Ireland's Domestic Violence Register: Legislative Action, Impact, and Urgent Gaps in 2026
Overview
In July 2026, Ireland is set to advance Jennie's Law, a landmark bill creating a public register of convicted domestic abuse offenders. This move comes amid rising domestic and gender-based violence, highlighting the urgent need for stronger victim protections. Inspired by the tragic death of Jennifer Poole, the law aims to empower individuals with accessible information about serious offenders, helping them make safer choices. The register will only include names and convictions, focusing on legal clarity. While the legislative focus is on Jennie’s Law, advocates stress the importance of consistent judicial use to ensure the law’s protective impact.