Newfoundland and Labrador Declares Gender-Based Violence an Epidemic, Creates Task Force

The provincial government has officially declared gender-based violence an epidemic in Newfoundland and Labrador and announced the creation of a new task force aimed at addressing the issue.

Premier Tony Wakeham and Lela Evans made the announcement on Wednesday, citing growing rates of violence and the widespread impacts on individuals, families and communities across the province.

The government said women, girls, Indigenous Peoples, members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community and other marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence. Officials noted the effects extend beyond physical harm and can impact mental health, housing stability, economic security and overall community well-being.

The province said the issue affects people regardless of age, socioeconomic background or where they live, adding that a coordinated and long-term response is needed to address the problem.

As part of that response, the province is establishing a Task Force to End Gender-Based Violence. The 12-member group will include representatives from government departments, Indigenous organizations, frontline service providers and individuals with lived experience.

The government said survivor voices and the perspectives of those directly impacted by violence will play a central role in the task force’s work and decision-making.

Six members will come from outside government, including advocates Georgina McGrath and Lisa Brenton-Lake, Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council co-chairs Dr. Elder Odelle Pike and Elder Charlotte Wolfrey, Stacey Hoffe of the Mokami Status of Women Centre and Mary Walsh, executive director of End Sexual Violence NL.

The remaining six members will represent the Office of Women and Gender Equality, the departments of Education and Early Childhood Development, Health and Community Services, Justice and Public Safety, Social Supports and Well-Being, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.

According to the province, the task force will guide research, analysis and interdepartmental coordination efforts, while also leading consultations and engagement with communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The group will ultimately provide recommendations to government aimed at preventing and ending gender-based violence in the province.