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.

“This is not going to be like a two-year task force,” Evans said.

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.

Evans assures proper resources

Ending gender-based violence has been a longstanding goal of governments. A previous Liberal government established a committee on the issue in 2017, under former justice minister Andrew Parsons. In early 2025, former minister Pam Parsons also announced a ministerial committee to end gender-based violence.

Asked how her task force would be different, Evans said ministers are working together to empower the task force and follow-up on recommendations.

Evans said government would ensure they give proper resources to stakeholders.

Government will launch a violence prevention awareness campaign this summer, Evans said, to help people recognize warning signs, encourage speaking up, and “build a culture of respect.” Posters are already being distributed, she said.

Premier Tony Wakeham said Wednesday’s 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.”

Evans acknowledged community partners who champion violence prevention initiatives.

“Your unwavering voice did not fall on deaf ears,” she said.

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