My name is Emily Joan Lewis. I’m a victim-survivor of domestic violence from Newcomb, Victoria.

When I started dating my ex-partner, I did my due diligence. I Googled his name and looked through his Facebook page. There were absolutely no red flags.

I didn’t know he had a hidden prior history of serious domestic violence against women.

Earlier this year, I was brutally attacked by my perpetrator. I was absolutely certain I was about to die. I could feel myself dying. I managed to escape, and he remains in custody on remand.

Clare’s Law matters. But it relies on a formal request to police, often when your life is already in danger.

Jennie’s Law is different. Ireland passed it in July, and it’s named after Jennifer Poole, who was murdered by her ex-partner in 2021. It creates a public online register of people convicted of serious domestic violence offences against a partner. Anyone can search it easily, without contacting police.

If Jennie’s Law had been available, I could have typed his name in and realised: not only am I not going to date this man, I’m not even going to meet him.

It must sit alongside connected records, active risk management, and accountability across police, courts and services.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, I’m asking you to implement Jennie’s Law in Australia, urgently.

Women are losing their lives. We must act now.

PREVENTION IS NOW OUR BEST HOPE.

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