Opinion of the Commission pursuant to Article 251(2) (c) of the EC Treaty, on the European Parliament's amendments to the Council's common position regarding the proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council adopting a programme of Community action (the DAPHNE Programme) (2000-2003) on preventive measures to fight violence against children, young persons and women - Amending the Proposal of the Commission pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty
Date: 1999-12-08
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU action, child protection, violence

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Brussels, 08.12.1999
COM(1999) 670final

1998/0192 (COD)

OPINION OF THE COMMISSION

pursuant to Article 251(2) (c) of the EC Treaty,
on the European Parliament's amendments
to the Council's common position regarding the

proposal for a

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

adopting a programme of Community action (the DAPHNE Programme) (2000-2003) on
preventive measures to fight violence against children, young persons and women

AMENDING THE PROPOSAL OF THE COMMISSION
pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty

OPINION OF THE COMMISSION

pursuant to Article 251(2) (c) of the EC Treaty,
on the European Parliament's amendments
to the Council's common position

2

1. BACKGROUND

On 20 May 1998 the Commission adopted a Proposal for a Council Decision on a
medium term Community action programme on measures providing a Community-
wide support to Member States action relating to violence against children, young
persons and women (the DAPHNE Programme) (2000-2004) (COM (1998) 335)1. The
legal basis was Art. 235 of the Treaty establishing the European Community and the
funding proposed was
25 million over the five-year period.

€

The proposal was formally transmitted to the European Parliament and to the Council
on 9 July 1998.

On 17 February 1999 the Commission amended the Proposal to one for a Proposal for
a European Parliament and Council Decision adopting a programme of Community
action (the DAPHNE Programme) (2000-2004) on measures aimed to prevent
violence against children, young persons and women (COM (1999) 82)2. The legal
base was Art. 129 of the Treaty.

This was
17 February 1999.

transmitted to the European Parliament and to the Council on

The Economic and Social Committee gave its Opinion on the 28 April 19993 and the
Committee of the Regions on the 11 March 19994. The European Parliament adopted
a favourable Resolution at its First Reading on the 16 April 1999, and proposed
36 amendments to the Commission proposal5.

On 11 May 1999 the Commission adopted an amended proposal (COM(1999)244)6
accepting 26 of the amendments in full, in part or in principle. This amended proposal
was transmitted to Council on 11 May 1999.

The Council, acting in accordance with Article 251 of the Treaty, formally adopted a
common position on 13 September 1999.

On 16 November 1999 the European Parliament adopted seven amendments to the
common position. These are set out in the Annex.

1

2

3

4

5

6

OJ C 259, 18.08.1998, p.2.
OJ C 89, 30.03.1999, p.42.
OJ (not yet published).
OJ (not yet published).
OJ C 219, 30.7.1999, p.497
OJ C 162, 9.6.1999, p. 11

3

2. COMMENTS ON THE AMENDMENTS OF THE EUROPEAN
PARLIAMENT

1.

The Commission accepts all seven amendments.

– Amendments 1 and 2 were accepted by the Commission on first reading.

– Amendment 4 reinserts a sentence contained in the Commission's original

proposal.

– Amendment 6 inserts a reference to "the media" in the framework of

general awareness-raising activities.

– Amendments 7, 8 and 9 result from the Council Decision of 28 June 1999
(comitology). They make no substantive change, but merely reformulate
the text.

2.

The Commission accepts the common position as amended by the Parliament
on 16 November and looks forward to a speedy adoption of the Decision.

4

No

Article

Common Position

Amendment

Comment

ANNEX

Am 1 Recital 1 Whereas,

sexual

physical,

and
psychological violence against children,
young persons and women constitutes a
serious threat to the physical and mental
health of the victims of such violence;
the effects of such violence are so
widespread throughout the Community
as to constitute a major health scourge;

Accepted

sexual

to life,

physical,

their
dignity

Whereas,
and
psychological violence against children,
young persons and women constitutes a
safety,
right
breach of
freedom,
and
and
emotional integrity and a serious threat to
the physical and mental health of the
victims of such violence; the effects of
such
so widespread
are
throughout the Community as to constitute
a major health scourge;

physical

violence

Am 2 Recital 2a

(new)

Accepted

(2a) Whereas according to the World
Health Organisations’s definition, health
is a state of complete physical, mental
and social well-being and not merely the
absence of disease or infirmity; whereas,
in accordance with point (p) of Article 3
of the Treaty, Community action shall
include a contribution to the attainment
of a high level of health protection;

5

Am 7 Recital 18

(18) For the purposes of the application
of this Decision, the Commission should
be assisted by an appropriate committee;

Delete

Accepted. Conse-quence of Council
Decision

of 28 June 1999

Am 8 Recital 19

(19) An agreement on a modus vivendi
the
between the European Parliament,
Council and the Commission concerning
the implementing measures of acts
adopted
the
procedure laid down in Article 251 of
the EC Treaty 7 was concluded on
20 December 1994.

accordance with

in

Accepted. Conse-quence of Council
Decision

of 28 June 1999

(18) Whereas
implementing measures
have to be adopted in accordance with the
Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28
June 1999 laying down the procedures
for the exercise of implementing powers
conferred on the Commission 8.

7

8

OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 1.
OJ L 184, 17.07.1999, p. 23.

6

Am 4 Article

1(2)

2. This programme aims to contribute
towards
ensuring a high level of
protection of physical and mental health
by the protection of children, young
persons and women against violence
(including violence in the form of sexual
exploitation
the
prevention of violence and by the
provision of support for the victims of
to
violence,
prevent future exposure to violence. By
so doing, the programme will contribute
to social well-being.

in particular,

in order,

abuse),

and

by

Accepted

against

violence

2. This programme aims to contribute
towards ensuring a high level of protection
of physical and mental health by the
protection of children, young persons and
women
(including
violence in the form of sexual exploitation
and abuse), by the prevention of violence
and by the provision of support for the
victims of violence, in order, in particular,
If
to prevent future exposure to violence.
further aims to assist and encourage NGOs
and other organisations active in this field.
programme will
the
By so
contribute to social well-being.

doing,

Am 9 Article 5

Article 5

Committee

Article 5

Accepted.

Implementing measures

Conse-quence of Council Decision

of 28 June 1999

1. The measures to be taken for the
implementation
Decision
of
concerning :

this

In the implementation of

1.
this
the Commission shall be
programme,
assisted by a committee composed of
representatives of the Member States and

7

chaired by the representative of
Commission.

the

a)

The annual plan of work for the
implementation of the measures
in the programme, including the
and
budgetary
selection criteria;

implications

The

representative
submit
shall

the
2.
Commission
the
Committee a draft of the measures to be
taken concerning :

of
to

the
–
procedure,

committee's

rules

of

–

–

the implementing provisions,

the annual plan of work for the
implementation of the measures in
the
the
budgetary
and
selection criteria,

implications

programme,

including

the general balance between the
the
sections

of

–
various
programme,

b)

c)

d)

the general balance between the
the
sections
various
programme;

of

the procedures for coordination
with programmes and initiatives
which are of direct relevance to
achievement of the aim of this
programme,

the arrangements for cooperating
with the
and
organisations
international
referred to in Article 7;

third countries

e)

the procedures for monitoring and
evaluating the programme

8

–

–

the procedures
for coordination
with programmes and initiatives
which are of direct relevance to
achievement of the aim of this
programme,

the arrangements for cooperating
and
with the
international organisations referred
to in Article 7,

countries

third

shall be adopted by use of the
management procedure referred to
in Article 5a(2).

2. The measures to be taken for the
Decision
of
implementation
concerning all other matters shall be
adopted by use of the advisory procedure
referred to in Article 5a (3).

this

the procedures for monitoring

–
and evaluating the programme.

Article 5a

Committee

The Committee shall deliver its opinion
on the draft within a time-limit which the
chairman may lay down according to the
urgency of the matter. The opinion shall
be delivered by the majority laid down in
Article 205(2) of the Treaty in the case of
decisions which the Council is required
to adopt on a proposal
from the
the
The
Commission.
representatives of the Member States
within the committee shall be weighted

votes

of

The Commission shall be assisted
by a Committee.

Where reference is made to this
paragraph, Articles 4 and 7 of
shall
Decision
to
apply, without

1999/468/EC

prejudice

1.

2.

9

in the manner set out in that Article. The
chairman shall not vote.

Article 8 thereof.

period
The
Article 4(3)
1999/468/EC
months.

provided
of
shall

for

in
Decision
two
be

Where reference is made to this
paragraph, Articles 3 and 7 of
shall
Decision
apply, without
to
Article 8 thereof.

1999/468/EC

prejudice

(a)

3.
adopt
immediately.

The Commission shall
apply
which

measures

3.

(b) However, if these measures
are not
in accordance with
the opinion of the committee,
they shall be communicated
by the Commission to the
Council forthwith.
In that
event:

The committee shall draw up its

4.
rules of procedure.

–

shall
the Commission
defer application of the measures
which it has decided for a period of
two months from the date of such
communication;

–

the Council, acting by
a qualified majority,

10

may take a different
decision within
the
referred to
time-limit
in
preceding
the
indent.

In addition, the Commission shall
other
the

4.
consult
appropriate matters
relating to
implementation of this programme.

the Committee

on

to

submit

the representative of the
In this case,
Commission
the
shall
Committee a draft of the measures to be
taken. The Committee shall deliver its
opinion on the draft within a time-limit
which the Chairman may lay down
according to the urgency of the matter, if
necessary by taking a vote.

The opinion shall be recorded in the
minutes; in addition, each Member State
shall have the right to ask to have its
position recorded in the minutes.

11

The Commission shall take the utmost
account of the opinion delivered by the
inform the
It shall
Committee.
Committee of the manner in which its
opinion has been taken into account.

The

representative

5.
the
Commission shall keep the committee
regularly informed of :

of

–

financial assistance granted under
this programme (amount, duration,
breakdown and beneficiaries),

Commission

proposals
and

or
–
Community
the
initiatives
implementation of programmes in other
fields which are of direct relevance to
this
achievement of the objective of
programme, so as to ensure consistency
and complementarity as referred to in
Article 4.

12

Am 6 Annex,
Part II,

Para. 1

in

of

and,

Encouragement

information
1.
campaigns
in cooperation with the
Member States and pilot projects with
European added value and awareness-
raising activities among the general
public
among
children and young persons, educators
and other categories involved about
potential risks of violence and of ways
of avoiding them, including knowledge
of
health
education and training in the context of
the fight against violence.

legislative

particular,

measures,

Accepted.

Encouragement

the media and,

of
in cooperation with

information
1.
campaigns
the
Member States and pilot projects with
European added value and awareness-
among the general
raising activities
public,
in particular,
among children and young persons,
educators and other categories involved
about potential risks of violence and of
ways
including
knowledge of legislative measures, health
education and training in the context of
the fight against violence.

avoiding

them,

of

13

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1.

2.

3.

4.

On 20 May 1998, the Commission adopted a Communication on violence against
children, young persons and women, together with a Proposal for a Council Decision
on a medium-term Community action programme on measures in this field (the
DAPHNE Programme) (2000-2004)(COM(1998) 335 final). The legal base of the
Proposal was Article 235 of the EC Treaty.

On 16 February 1999 the Commission amended the legal base of the Proposal to
Article 129 of the EC Treaty (Public Health), subsequently Article 152 of the
Amsterdam Treaty.

Following the First Reading by the European Parliament on 16 April 1999, the
Council adopted the Common Position on 13 September.

On 16 November 1999 the European Parliament voted seven amendments to the
Common Position on its Second Reading. The Commission accepts all seven
amendments and has amended its proposal accordingly.

14

1998/0192 (COD)

Proposal for a

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

adopting a programme of Community action (the DAPHNE Programme) (2000-2003) on
preventive measures to fight violence against children, young persons and women

AMENDING THE PROPOSAL OF THE COMMISSION
pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular
Article 152 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission 9,

Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee 10,

Having regard to the Opinion of the Committee of the Regions 11,

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty 12,

Whereas:

(1) Whereas, physical, sexual and psychological violence against children, young persons
and women constitutes a breach of their right to life, safety, freedom, dignity and
physical and emotional integrity and a serious threat to the physical and mental health
of the victims of such violence;
the effects of such violence are so widespread
throughout the Community as to constitute a major health scourge;

(2)

It is important to recognise the serious immediate and long-term implications for
health, psychological and social development, and for the equal opportunities of those
concerned, that violence has for individuals, families and communities and the high
social and economic costs to society as a whole;

(2a) Whereas according to the World Health Organisations’s definition, health is a state of
complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease
in accordance with point (p) of Article 3 of the Treaty,
or infirmity; whereas,
Community action shall include a contribution to the attainment of a high level of
health protection;

9

10

11

12

OJ C 259, 18.8.1998, p. 2, OJ C 89, 30.3.1999, p. 42 and OJ C 162, 6.9.1999, p.11
OJ C 169, 16.6.1999, p.35.
OJ C 198, 14.7.1999, p. 61.
Opinion of the European Parliament of 16 April 1999 (OJ C 219, 30.7.1999, p. 497), Council Common
Position of ........ (not yet published in the Official Journal) and Decision of the European Parliament of
..... (not yet published in the Official Journal).

15

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

These principles are recognised in the United Nations Convention of 1979 on the
the United Nations
Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women,
Convention of 1989 on the Rights of the Child, the Vienna Declaration of 1993 on the
elimination of violence against women,
the Declaration and Platform of Action
adopted at the IVth Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995, the Declaration
and the Plan of Action against the Sex Trade and the Exploitation of Minors adopted
at the Stockholm Conference in 1996, and the Lisbon Declaration of 1998 on Youth
Policies and Programmes of the World Conference of Ministers of Youth;

The European Union has taken action in the field of justice and home affairs in
particular by the Joint Action of 24 February 1997 concerning action to combat
trafficking in human beings and sexual exploitation of children 13; the criminal law
aspects of violence are a matter for the Member States;

The European Parliament, in its resolutions of 18 January 1996 on trafficking in
human beings 14, of 19 September 1996 on minors who are victims of violence 15, of
12 December 1996 on measures to protect minors in the European Union 16 and of
16 September 1997 on the need to establish a European Union-wide campaign for zero
tolerance of violence against women 17 and of 16 December 1997 on trafficking in
women for the purpose of sexual exploitation 18 has called upon the Commission to
draw up and implement action programmes to combat such violence;

The Commission, in its Communication of 24 November 1993 on the framework for
action in the field of public health, identified, inter alia, the prevention of injuries as an
important area for action in the public health field; in this framework on 8 February
1999 Decision No 372/1999/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council was
adopted on a programme of Community action on injury prevention 19;

By providing support for acquiring better knowledge and understanding of, and wider
dissemination of information about violence against children, young persons and
women and by developing actions
complementary to existing Community
programmes and actions, while avoiding unnecessary duplication, this programme will
contribute greatly to curbing exploitation and ensuring a high level of human health
protection, taking into account its physical, mental and social aspects, and a high
quality of life;

Direct action concerning violence against children, young persons and women is in
essence part of Member States' activity at national, regional or local level;

The Community can provide added value to the actions of Member States concerning
the prevention of violence, including violence in the form of sexual exploitation and
abuse perpetrated against children, young persons and women through the
information and experience, promoting an
dissemination and the exchange of
the development of
innovative approach,

the joint establishment of priorities,

OJ L 63, 4.3.1997, p. 2.
OJ C 32, 5.2.1996, p. 88.
OJ C 320, 28.10.1996, p. 190.
OJ C 20, 20.1.1997, p. 170.
OJ C 304, 6.10.1997, p. 55.
OJ C 14, 19.1.1998, p. 39.
OJ L 46, 20. 2.1999, p. 1.

16

networking as appropriate,
motivation and mobilisation of all parties concerned;

the selection of Community-wide projects and the

(10)

(11)

This programme can bring added value by identifying and stimulating good practice,
by encouraging innovation and by exchanging relevant experience of actions
undertaken in the Member States, including an exchange of information relating to the
various laws and the results achieved;

Therefore, in accordance with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as set
out in Article 5 of the Treaty, the objectives of the proposed measure can be better
achieved by the Community; this Decision confines itself to the minimum required in
order to achieve those objectives and does not go beyond what is necessary for that
purpose;

(12) Active partnership between the Commission,

the Member States and non-
governmental organisations (NGOs) and in particular organisations concerned with the
welfare and quality of life of children, young persons and women needs to be
promoted in this area and synergy between all the relevant policies and measures
encouraged by promoting cooperation between NGOs, other organisations and
national, regional and local authorities;

(13)

In order to achieve the objectives of the programme and use the resources available in
the most efficient way, the areas in which work is to be done must be carefully chosen
by selecting projects which offer a greater Community added value and show the way
towards trying out and disseminating innovative ideas to prevent violence, in the
context of a multidisciplinary approach;

(14) Cooperation with the international organisations competent in the fields covered by
the programme and with third countries should be fostered, as well as with all those
likely to be involved in preventing violence;

(15)

(16)

Provision should be made for opening up this programme to participation by the
applicant countries in the pre-accession phase, in accordance with the conditions
established in the relevant agreements, particularly the Association Agreements and
the Additional Protocols to those Agreements;

In order to increase the value and impact of the programme, a continuous assessment
of the actions undertaken should be carried out, with particular regard to their
effectiveness and the achievement of the objectives set and with a view, where
appropriate, to making the necessary adjustments;

(17)

This programme should be of a four-year duration in order to allow sufficient time for
actions to be implemented to achieve the objectives set;

(18) Whereas for the purposes of the application of this Decision, the Commission should

be assisted by an appropriate committee;

17

(18) Whereas implementing measures have to be adopted following the Council Decision
1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of
implementing powers conferred on the Commission20.

(19)

This Decision lays down for the entire duration of the programme a financial
framework constituting the prime reference, within the meaning of point 33 of the
Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the
Commission of 6 May 1999 on budgetary discipline and improvement of
the
budgetary procedure21,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Establishment of the programme

1. A programme of Community action to fight violence towards children, young persons and
women, is hereby adopted for the period 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2003.

2. This programme aims to contribute towards ensuring a high level of protection of physical
and mental health by the protection of children, young persons and women against violence
(including violence in the form of sexual exploitation and abuse), by the prevention of violence
and by the provision of support for the victims of violence, in order, in particular, to prevent
future exposure to violence. It further aims to assist and encourage NGOs and other
organisations active in this field. By so doing, the programme will contribute to social well-
being.

3. The actions to be implemented under the programme, as set out in the Annex, are intended
to promote:

(a)

(b)

(c)

transnational actions to set up multidisciplinary networks and to ensure exchange of
information, best practice and co-operation at Community level;

transnational actions aimed at raising public awareness;

complementary actions.

Article 2

Implementation

1. The Commission shall ensure implementation, in close cooperation with the Member
States, of the actions referred to in Article 1(3) in accordance with Articles 5 and 6.

2. The Commission shall, after consultations with the Member States, cooperate with
institutions and organisations active in the field of prevention of and protection against
violence against children, young persons and women, and of the support of victims. It shall

20

21

OJ L 184, 17.07.1999, p. 23.
OJ

18

encourage, in particular, transnational cooperation between non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) and national, regional and local authorities.

3. The Commission shall take account of activities carried out in this field at national,
regional and local level. It shall also ensure a balanced approach in respect of the target
groups.

4. The actions undertaken shall involve a significant number of Member States.

Article 3

Budget

1. The financial framework for the implementation of the four-year programme 2000-2003 is
hereby set at EUR 20 million.

2. The annual appropriations shall be established by the Budgetary Authority within the limits
of the financial perspectives.

3. The Community contribution shall vary according to the nature of the action. It may not
exceed 80% of the total cost of the action.

Article 4

Consistency and complementarity

The Commission shall ensure that there is consistency and complementarity between the
Community actions to be implemented under the programme and those implemented under
other relevant Community programmes and measures, including future developments in the
field of public health.

Article 5

Implementing measures

1. The measures to be taken for the implementation of this Decision concerning :

a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

The annual plan of work for the implementation of the measures in the programme,
including the budgetary implications and selection criteria;

the general balance between the various sections of the programme;

the procedures for coordination with programmes and initiatives which are of direct
relevance to achievement of the aim of this programme,

the arrangements
organisations referred to in Article 8;

for cooperating with the third countries and international

the procedures for monitoring and evaluating the programme

shall be adopted by use of the management procedure referred to in Article 6(2)

19

2. The measures to be taken for the implementation of this Decision concerning all other
matters shall be adopted by use of the advisory procedure referred to in Article 6(3).

Article 6

Committee

The Commission shall be assisted by a committee, composed of representatives of the

1.
Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission.

Where reference is made to this paragraph, the management procedure laid down in
with

1999/468/EC

compliance

Decision

apply,

shall

in

2.
Article
Articles 7 (3) and 8 thereof.

of

4

The period provided for in Article 4 (3) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be two months.

3.
Where reference is made to this paragraph, the advisory procedure laid down in
Article 3 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, in compliance with Articles 7(3) and 8
thereof.

4.

The committee shall draw up its rules of procedure

Article 7

Participation of the EFTA/EEA countries,
the associated Central and Eastern European countries,
Cyprus, Malta and Turkey

This programme shall be open to the participation of:

– the EFTA/EEA countries,

in accordance with the conditions established in the EEA

Agreement,

– the associated Central and Eastern European countries, in accordance with the conditions
established in the Europe Agreements, in their additional protocols and in the decisions of
the respective Association Councils,

– Cyprus, funded by additional appropriations in accordance with procedures to be agreed

with that country,

– Malta and Turkey, funded by additional appropriations in accordance with the provisions

of the Treaty.

Article 8

International cooperation

to Article 300 of the Treaty,

Subject
in the course of implementing the programme,
cooperation with third countries and with international organisations competent in the fields
covered by the programme shall be fostered as well as with all those likely to be involved in
preventing and protecting against all forms of violence.

20

Article 9

Monitoring and evaluation

1. In the implementation of this Decision, the Commission shall take the necessary measures
to ensure the monitoring and continuous evaluation of the programme taking account of the
general and specific objectives referred to in Article 1 and in the Annex.

2. During the second year of the programme, the Commission shall present to the European
Parliament and to the Council an evaluation report.

3. The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council a final report on
completion of the programme.

4. The Commission shall incorporate into the reports referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3
information on Community financing in the various fields of action and on complementarity
with the other actions referred to in Article 4, as well as the results of the evaluations. It shall
also send the reports to the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the
Regions.

Article 10

Entry into force

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the
European Communities.

Done at Brussels,

For the European Parliament
The President

For the Council
The

President

21

ANNEX

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS

I.

TRANSNATIONAL ACTIONS TO SET UP MULTIDISCIPLINARY
NETWORKS AND TO ENSURE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION, BEST
PRACTICE AND COOPERATION AT COMMUNITY LEVEL

Objective:

to support and encourage both non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other
organisations including public authorities active in the fight against violence to
work together

1.

2.

Support for the establishment and strengthening of multidisciplinary networks and
the encouragement and support of cooperation between NGOs and the various
organisations and public bodies at national, regional and local level, in order to
improve on both sides the level of knowledge and understanding of each other's role
and to facilitate the exchange of relevant information.

Stimulation and exchange of best practice, including pilot projects, at Community level
on the prevention of violence and on the support and protection of children, young
persons and women.

The networks shall in particular carry out activities to address the problems of
violence that will:

(1)

(2)

(3)

produce a common framework for analysis of violence,
including the
definition of different types of violence, the causes of violence and all its
consequences;

measure the real impact of the different types of violence within Europe on
victims and society, in order to establish an appropriate response;

assess the types and effectiveness of measures and practices to prevent and
detect violence including violence in the form of sexual exploitation and
abuse and to provide support for victims of violence, in order, in particular, to
prevent future exposure to violence.

II.

TRANSNATIONAL ACTIONS AIMED AT RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS

Objective:

to support the raising of public awareness of violence and the prevention of violence
against children, young persons and women, including the victims of trafficking for
the purpose of sexual exploitation, commercial sexual exploitation and other sexual
abuse

1.

Encouragement of information campaigns in cooperation with the Member States
and pilot projects with European added value and awareness-raising activities among
the general public, the media and, in particular, among children and young persons,
educators and other categories involved about potential risks of violence and of ways
of avoiding them, including knowledge of legislative measures, health education and
training in the context of the fight against violence.

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2.

3.

4.

Development of a Community-wide information source to assist and inform NGOs
and public bodies of publicly available information compiled by governmental, NGO
and academic sources relevant to the field of violence, its prevention and the support
of victims, and the means to prevent violence, as well as the provision of information
about all measures and programmes on this subject under the auspices of the
Community. This should enable information to be integrated into all relevant
information systems.

Studies in the field of violence and sexual abuse and the means of their prevention
with the aim, inter alia, of identifying the most effective procedures and policies for
preventing violence, for supporting victims of violence, in order, in particular, to
prevent future exposure to violence, and for examining the social and economic
costs, in order to establish appropriate responses to this phenomenon.

Improvement of recognition, reporting and management of the consequences of
violence.

III.

COMPLEMENTARY ACTIONS

In carrying out the programme, the Commission, in compliance with Articles 2, and
5 and 6 of the Decision, can have recourse to technical assistance organisations the
financing of which shall be provided for within the overall financial framework for
the programme. It can, under the same conditions, have recourse to experts.
Furthermore, the Commission will be able to organise seminars, colloquia or other
meetings of experts, likely to facilitate the implementation of the programme and
enhance information, publication and dissemination actions.

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