Daphne II programme 2004-2008: combating violence against children, young people and women

The European Parliament proposed five amendments to the draft Decision on the Daphne II programme during its plenary session in March. They relate to: - Perpetrators: the Parliament proposes deleting reference to perpetrators in those parts of the text which makes mention of the victims. The purpose of the amendment is to avoid giving the impression that perpetrators are a new target group of the programme. Given that the text makes mention of "perpetrators" elsewhere the Commission accepts that deleting reference to them in Article 2.1.2 and 4(g) in no way diminishes the importance attached to perpetrators. - Children and young people who witness domestic violence: Parliament is seeking to delete reference to this category of people given that the programme should apply to all children. The Commission notes that the Council, in its Common Position, argued that this category of people are witnesses and as such not beneficiaries of the programme. The Commission concludes that deletion of "children and young people who witness domestic violence" as proposed by the Parliament can be accepted. Such a strategy fulfils the wishes of both Parliament and Council. The Commission does stress, however, that this category of people are, under amendment 4, deemed "people at risk" and therefore remain potential beneficiaries of the programme. - Setting up Helpdesks: Parliament has re-inserted this amendment, which it originally tabled at first reading. According to Parliament such helpdesks play an invaluable role in helping NGO's apply and participate in the programme. Given that the common position awards the programme EUR 50 million over a five year period (2004-2008) the Commission feels that the inclusion of such helpdesks is both financially feasible as well as being of value to the functioning of the programme. Bearing in mind the above the Commission has decided to accept all five of the amendments tabled in their entirety and has revised its draft Decision accordingly.�