The Task Force to End Gender-Based Violence established in May has met three times to discuss early priorities and identify potential areas of focus. Their recent full-day, in-person meeting included discussions on community perspectives related to housing, the use of electronic monitoring, public awareness initiatives addressing gender-based violence, and youth-focused education and prevention efforts.

During the meeting, members also explored opportunities to strengthen awareness and prevention through the province’s new education curriculum. The task force discussed plans for engagement and consultation to gather input from community organizations, stakeholders, and individuals with lived experience, helping to inform ongoing work.

In addition, the task force reviewed findings from the Provincial Action Network on the Status of Women’s (PANSOW) community engagement sessions and lived experience focus groups following the release of the Seeds of Change report, incorporating insights from hundreds of survivors and community organizations on key priorities.

The establishment of a Task Force to End Gender-Based Violence brings together individuals with lived experience, Indigenous representatives, frontline service providers, and other key community partners.

Central to the work of the task force will be ensuring that 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 individuals 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.

Quotes
“Ending gender-based violence requires action on multiple fronts, and I am encouraged by the thoughtful discussions taking place as the task force begins identifying its early priorities. I want to thank the task force members for their commitment to this important work. It is essential to ensure that the voices of communities, stakeholders, and people with lived experience are reflected in the recommendations that will help shape a safer future for Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Lela Evans
Minister of Women and Gender Equity

“The wisdom that exists in our communities is one of our greatest strengths. Survivors, advocates, Indigenous partners, frontline workers and community organizations have built an incredible body of research, practice, and lived experience that provides a strong foundation for addressing gender-based violence in our province. The challenge has never been a lack of knowledge; it has been ensuring that community expertise is recognized and meaningfully actioned. Seeing that commitment around this table gives me hope that this task force can help carry forward the priorities and recommendations that communities have been championing for years.”
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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