Daphne Programme 2000-2003: action relating to violence against children, young persons and women

This report presents the progress of the Daphne Programme since its approval in January 2000 and a summary of its main achievements. Daphne aims to address the widespread concern about the issue of violence, including domestic violence, violence in schools, violence towards minority groups such as homosexuals, handicapped persons and ethnic minorities. The programme supports the work of organisations and local authorities in protecting women and children. Daphne adds value at EC level to this work and encourages the exchange of ideas and best practice through the formation of networks and partnerships and the implementation of pilot projects. Daphne also supports actions which raise awareness about violence both among the general public and among those at risk as well as actions involving research and seminars on the subject of violence. During its first two years, Daphne met with a response far greater than could have been expected. In 2000 and 2001 respectively, over 1500 and 1000 application forms were requested. 415 and 207 proposals were received with requests for funding (from a EUR 5 million budget line) totalling EUR 40 million and EUR 22 million. This overwhelming response shows that the Programme clearly meets a deeply felt need within the voluntary sector. The report shows that the implementation phase of projects demonstrates both weaknesses and successes. The former concern mainly difficulties in transnational implementation and management. However, a positive trend can be seen in the increasing European cooperation and in the useful synergy between NGOs and public bodies. The projects of the Daphne Programme/Initiative have exerted notable influence, not only on the slowly changing perceptions of violence, but also on the development of EU policies. New models and methodologies are being explored and developed by public institutions, all contributing to the creation of a common framework and convergence of policies throughout the Member States. The report emphasises the fact, acknowledged at the 2nd World congress against CSEC in Yokohama in December 2001, that the long list of project activities, including innovative methods for prevention, cooperation, exchanges and networking have already started to have multiplying effects on NGO and institutional activities in Europe and beyond. Monitoring and ex-post evaluation reports show that organisations have gained much, basically by their participation in European partnerships. Partnerships brought about through the networking mechanism have led to more effective programming, moving away from duplication and wasted resources.�