Our government supports Bill S-242, An Act Respecting National Action for the Prevention of Intimate Partner Violence (Georgina’s Law). The legislation calls for strong, coordinated national action to address intimate partner violence, ensuring that efforts across jurisdictions are consistent, informed by lived experience, and focused on prevention and protection.
Bill S-242 is named for Georgina McGrath Power of Branch, a survivor of intimate partner violence and dedicated advocate whose courage has inspired change. Working in partnership with Newfoundland and Labrador Senator Fabian Manning, Ms. McGrath Power has played a central role in advancing this legislation nationally, reflecting the leadership and advocacy emerging from our province.
Intimate partner violence remains one of the most serious and widespread threats to individuals, families, and communities across Newfoundland and Labrador and throughout Canada.
Our government is strongly committed to advocating for meaningful, systemic change to reduce gender-based violence and family violence. We will prioritize community-led prevention initiatives and survivor supports. The impacts extend far beyond immediate physical harm, affecting mental health, family stability, economic well-being, and the overall safety of our communities.
We will ensure trauma-informed training for justice and law enforcement personnel so victims are treated with understanding and respect, and we will undertake a trauma-informed review of the justice system to improve education, strengthen prevention, and reduce re-victimization. We will consult on establishing new legislative tools to provide victims of family violence with more pathways to seek justice within the family law system. We will also expand Family Justice Services to ensure survivors have better access to legal help without experiencing further trauma.
Newfoundland and Labrador stands united in recognizing that there can be no safe communities without safe homes. Our advocacy for national action is grounded in our belief that preventing intimate partner violence is not the responsibility of one government or one sector alone – it is a responsibility we share. Together, we must work to create a province and a country where everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered to live free from violence.
To further demonstrate our support, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador along with the Official Opposition and the Third Party recently sent a signed a letter of support for Bill S-242 to Senator Fabian Manning.
Quote
“Intimate partner violence is a serious and urgent issue in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada. It affects all of us and transcends political party lines. By standing together in support of Bill S-242, we are united in our shared commitment to stronger collaboration, greater transparency, and improved support for survivors. We are thankful for the unwavering advocacy of Senator Fabian Manning and Georgina McGrath. We are proud to support their efforts to help build safer communities for all of us.”
Honourable Lela Evans
Minister of Women and Gender Equality
-30-
Learn more
Signed Statement
Follow us on X @GovNL and @WGE_GovNLLike us on Facebook