The Task Force to End Gender-Based Violence met in St. John’s on August 25 and 26, 2026, to discuss the development of an engagement plan to involve diverse perspectives in their work, including, but not limited to, survivors and people with lived experience, community partners, Indigenous communities, rural and remote residents, youth, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, persons with disabilities, newcomers, racialized individuals and workers at risk of gender-based violence.

As a first step, any individual wishing to share their perspective or organization wishing to deliver a presentation are encouraged to email GBVTaskForce@gov.nl.ca. The task force thanks those who have already contacted them or the Office of Women and Gender Equality to share their perspectives. Further details on the engagement plan will be released when finalized.

This week’s meetings also included discussions around electronic monitoring, emergency protection orders, and the need for post-release supports for individuals in Labrador, particularly for those incarcerated for intimate partner violence.

In addition, the task force received updates from the Department of Social Supports and Well-Being on the Province’s Poverty Reduction and Prevention Strategy, and on the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program by the Department of Health and Community Services.

The Department of Justice and Public Safety also provided an update on the Policing Transformation Working Group report recommendations as they relate to gender-based violence, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation provided an update on housing. Further, the Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and The Journey Project presented on what survivors are telling them about healing, accountability and justice.

Central to the work of the task force is to ensure the voices of survivors and those directly impacted by violence are not only heard but meaningfully included in decision-making processes.

The task force is composed of 12 members, including Georgina McGrath, Lisa Brenton-Lake, Dr. Elder Odelle Pike, Elder Charlotte Wolfrey, Stacey Hoffe and Mary Walsh, and six members representing the Office of Women and Gender Equality, 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. Their first public report is expected to be delivered during fall 2026.

Quotes
“Ending gender-based violence requires collaboration, listening, and action. This meeting provided an important opportunity for the task force to advance plans for meaningful engagement with survivors, communities, and partners throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, while also reviewing progress on initiatives that strengthen prevention, support, and accountability. Together, we are building a more inclusive and coordinated response to gender-based violence.”
Honourable Lela Evans
Minister of Women and Gender Equity

“An important part of our conversations has been thinking about how we engage communities in this work. Gender-based violence does not affect everyone in the same way, and our approach needs to reflect the intersecting identities, experiences and realities of people across Newfoundland and Labrador. Meaningful community engagement will help ensure our recommendations are grounded in the voices of those most impacted, including people whose experiences have too often been overlooked.”
Stacey Hoffe
Task Force Co-Chair

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Learn more
Provincial Government Declares Gender-Based Violence an Epidemic and Establishes Task Force

Office of Women and Gender Equality

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