A proposal in the Suffolk County Legislature could create a registry for domestic violence offenders much like the one that already exists for sex offenders.

The proposal, introduced by Leg. DuWayne Gregory (D-Amityville), would put the names of anyone convicted within the past five years in an online database. Anyone checking the Web site would be able to see the offender's name, alias, exact address and picture.

Critics point out victims could be discouraged from reporting domestic violence incidents out of fear the abuser?s name would become public.

Legislators are holding public hearings on the proposal.