PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS NATIONAL INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE LEGISLATION

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has announced its support for Bill S-242, An Act Respecting National Action for the Prevention of Intimate Partner Violence, also known as Georgina’s Law.

The proposed federal legislation calls for coordinated national action to address intimate partner violence, ensuring prevention and protection efforts are consistent across jurisdictions and informed by lived experience.

Bill S-242 is named in honour of Georgina McGrath Power of Branch, a survivor and advocate whose work has helped advance the legislation nationally in partnership with Newfoundland and Labrador Senator Fabian Manning.

Provincial officials say intimate partner violence remains one of the most serious and widespread threats to individuals, families, and communities in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada.

As part of its commitment to reducing gender-based and family violence, the Provincial Government says it will:

- Prioritize community-led prevention initiatives and survivor supports

- Ensure trauma-informed training for justice and law enforcement personnel

- Conduct a trauma-informed review of the justice system

- Consult on new legislative tools to support victims within the family law system

- Expand Family Justice Services to improve access to legal assistance

The government, along with the Official Opposition and Third Party, has also sent a signed letter of support for Bill S-242 to Senator Manning.

Officials say preventing intimate partner violence requires collaboration across governments, sectors, and communities to build safer homes and safer communities for all.