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.