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

PURPOSE: to establish a five-year Community action programme (2000 - 2004) on measures for combatting violence against children, young persons and women (DAPHNE). CONTENTS: the proposal establishes the programme to run from 01/01/2000 to 31/12/2004 and contribute towards combatting this violence, with particular regard to assisting and encouraging the relevant NGOs and voluntary organizations. Actions under this programme fall under three headings : 1) networks, exchange of information, coordination and cooperation at an EU level; 2) raising of public awareness and the exchange of best practise. 3) complementary expenditure - information, conferences, studies. The Commission will implement actions in cooperation with Member States and relevant institutions and organizations, and ensure consistency and complementarity with other Community programmes. An advisory committee will be established which will draw its own internal rules of procedure, and comprise representatives from each Member State, chaired by the Commission. It will be presented with a draft of the measures to be taken, in order for it to give its opinion, which the Commission is required to take into account. Furthermore, the committee shall assist the Commission with project selection and financing criteria, and monitoring and evaluation procedure. Cooperation with third countries and international organizations will be encouraged, and the programme will be open to the applicant States. The Commission will monitor the programme and provide the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of the Regions with an evaluative report during the third year of the programme, and at its completion.�