Newfoundland and Labrador’s provincial government is declaring gender-based violence an epidemic.
Lela Evans, minister of women and gender equality, called it a “monumental” day.
“Today is an emotional day for me,” said Evans at a press conference Wednesday afternoon in front of MHAs, police and women’s groups from across the province.
Evans announced a 12-member task force to deal with the problem, made up of government members and community advocates. The task force will produce a report in the fall, she said, and government will begin work before the task force finishes its work.
The task force will provide recommendations to government, she said, with a goal of moving away from crisis response toward more sustained prevention.
Evans said gender-based violence has a systemic, pervasive impact.
Gender-based violence will never be resolved “until we deal with the root cause,” she said.
“Today is a sign that we are doing better,” said Evans.
Premier Tony Wakeham said the announcement “sends a powerful message to survivors.”
“We see you, we believe you, and your safety matters,” Wakeham said.
He called gender-based violence a “widespread crisis affecting individuals, families, workplaces and entire communities.”
More to come.
