How to end violence against women and girls? New committee aims to find solutions

As 117 names of murdered or missing women and girls in Newfoundland and Labrador were read aloud in a sobering vigil this month, the province's justice minister was in the crowd.

"There's no doubt that'shad an impact on me," Andrew Parsons told reporters at Confederation Building Wednesday.

• In Her Name vigil honours and remembers murdered and missing N.L. women

"You can't sit there and hear those names and not feel empty, like there's more that can be done."

The In Her Name vigil, coupled with discussion within the justice department on violence against women and girls, has culminated in a new government committee whichaimstofind solutions to gender-based violence.

Advocates called on government during the vigil to create a provincial task force on the topic.

'Everybody wants to see action'

Parsons will co-chair the committee withLinda Ross, president of theProvincial Advisory Councilon the Status of Women. Invitations are being mailed out to otherprospectivecommittee members this week.

"It never hurts to discuss this issue, to bring it out, we need a bigger community discussion," Parsons said.

"I'm not into this to put together a committee where we end up getting nothing done.Everybody wants to see action. And I know the people who will be a part of this will be of the same mindset."

Asked if it will result in legislative change, Parsons said anything is possible.

"There's absolutely no reason that we shouldn't consider anythingwhether it's policy change, legislative changeare there things we can do differently?"

Parsons wouldn't pre-determinea timeline for when the work would be completed before the committee is in place.

In Her Name vigil held in St. John's

7 years ago

Duration 1:56

Names of missing or murdered women read out loud.