The Department of Justice and Public Safety has received a tremendous amount of feedback following the inaugural committee meeting on violence against women and girls. The meeting, which was held on December 8, 2017, brought participants together to discuss the areas that need to change, both within the justice system and elsewhere, to end violence against women and girls.
Participants identified challenges and solutions to ending that violence and identified the roles that can be played by organizations and individuals in implementing solutions. Throughout the day, attendees discussed the priority areas and approximately 2,000 thoughts and ideas were recorded by volunteers.
To build on that work, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, and Linda Ross, President of the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women, have established a steering committee to review the data gathered and determine concrete actions, including how best to engage all other members of the committee to collectively address this very serious issue.
Members of the public can follow along with the progress of the committee online at www.justice.gov.nl.ca/just/vawg. People can also use the site to share their ideas on how to address violence against women and girls in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quotes
“The time to take action on ending violence against women and girls is now. This committee, made up of community groups, representatives from Indigenous governments and organizations, those with lived experience and government members represents a collaborative approach to one of the most serious issues we face today. There is strength in numbers and together, I am confident we can work together to inform real change.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General
“All of us are committed to ending violence and harassment. With continued action and focus we will achieve our goal. Thank you for the work of the committee and the community. Together we will make a difference.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Minister Responsible for the Status of Women
“I look forward to working with a dedicated steering committee and engaging everyone who committed to working together to end violence against women and girls. When the Committee on Violence Against Women and Girls met in December, participants were very clear about the work that needs to be done and identified a number of priorities. We’ve also heard about innovative, successful initiatives that are already happening. We need to build on and grow those successes and harness the creative ideas and energy of everyone wanting to address violence against women and girls in our province.”
Linda Ross
President of the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women
– 30 –
Learn More
For information on the Justice Minister’s Committee on Violence Against Women and Girls visit www.justice.gov.nl.ca/just/vawg
Collaboration at Committee Meeting Identifies Next Steps in Addressing Violence Against Women and Girls – gov.nl.ca/releases/2017/just/1208n09.aspx
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL, @JPS_GovNL and @WPO_GovNL
Media contacts
Lesley Clarke
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-6985, 699-2910
LesleyClarke@gov.nl.ca
Nancy Hollett
Women’s Policy Office
709-729-5777, 685-3372
NancyHollett@gov.nl.ca
Linda Ross, President
Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women
709-753-7270
info@pacsw.ca