A petition launched in Derry on April 16 calls on the Northern Ireland Assembly to incorporate principles of Jade’s Law into the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc.) Bill.

The petition seeks to suspend parental responsibility automatically for any parent convicted of murdering or committing voluntary manslaughter against the person with whom they shared that responsibility. The burden of proof would rest with the convicted individual to justify continued involvement in the child’s life.

Family law is devolved in Northern Ireland, placing it outside protections afforded in England and Wales under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024. Families in Northern Ireland must consult the person responsible for their loved one’s death on decisions affecting surviving children.

The petition notes around 30 women killed by an ex-partner or husband in Northern Ireland, many with children.