The Domestic Violence Judgments Register Act 2026, commonly referred to as “Jennie’s Law”, was signed into law on 21 July 2026. The legislation is named after Jennifer Poole, who was tragically murdered by her ex-partner, who had previously been convicted of a domestic violence offence of which she was unaware.
The Act provides for the establishment of a public register of certain serious domestic violence convictions, allowing members of the public to access information about specified domestic violence offences where a person has been convicted on indictment and a penalty has been imposed.
Key Features of the Act
The legislation provides that:
- The register will apply only to specified domestic violence offences resulting in a conviction on indictment and the imposition of a penalty.
- Publication of a judgment will not be automatic. The trial judge will retain discretion as to whether a judgment should be entered on the register.
- The consent of the victim must be obtained before a judgment can be published.
- The register will be publicly accessible through the Courts Service website.
Criminal Convictions and Civil Domestic Violence Orders
There is an important distinction between the criminal convictions covered by the Act and the civil protections available under the Domestic Violence Act 2018.
Jennie’s Law applies only to qualifying criminal convictions. It does not extend to civil domestic violence proceedings or to orders made under the Domestic Violence Act 2018, including:
- Protection Orders;
- Safety Orders;
- Barring Orders; and
- Emergency Barring Orders.
In practical terms, a person will only appear on the register where there has been a qualifying criminal conviction, and the court has exercised its discretion to direct publication of the judgment.
The introduction of the register is an important development in the law relating to domestic violence. However, its scope is limited. The existence of a Safety Order, Barring Order or other civil domestic violence order will not, in itself, result in a person being placed on the register.
For victims of domestic violence, and those supporting them, it is therefore important to understand both what the new register provides for and, equally, what it does not.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic violence, support is available through the following helplines:
Women’s Aid 24-Hour National Freephone Helpline
1800 341 900
National Male Advice Line
1800 816 588
For more information on any Family Law matter please contact Brendan Dillon, Emma Dillon or Alice Downey on 01 296 0666
Article by Seána Griffin – Legal Executive, Dillon Solicitors LLP
