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

The committee unanimously adopted the report by Lissy GRÖNER (PES, D) approving the Council's common position under the 2nd reading of the codecision procedure, subject to a few amendments. MEPs reinstated an amendment adopted by Parliament at 1st reading - which had not been taken up by the Council - providing for a help-desk to be set up to assist any NGOs which so required, especially those fully participating for the first time in the Daphne programme. They argued that such technical assistance was of crucial importance in ensuring that NGOs from the new Member States could have access to the resources and 'acquis' of the programme on an equal footing with those from the current Member States. Other amendments sought to overturn some changes proposed by the Council addressing the question of perpetrators of violence and their need for treatment. The committee was concerned that, by including a reference to perpetrators in the article listing the programme objectives, the Council appeared to be creating a new targeted group alongside victims and people at risk, thereby undermining the Commission's well-balanced proposal. �