International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

1.10.2009

ORAL QUESTION WITH DEBATE O-0097/09
pursuant to Rule 115 of the Rules of Procedure
by Eva-Britt Svensson, on behalf of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality
to the Commission

In the context of commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the UN Resolution establishing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, EU action in this field needs to be stepped up and move forward. Violence against women is a structural and widespread problem throughout Europe. Women's lives and participation in social, economic, political and economic life is being limited by the persistence of different forms of violence against them. Violence against women is not only a problem of public health, but also a matter of inequality between women and men, which is an area where the EU has the mandate to develop actions. Currently, the Daphne programme provides some limited funding for initiatives against violence against women. However, this instrument is far from sufficient. At a moment when the EU is increasing its cooperation in the field of Freedom, Security and Justice, through the adoption in December of the so-called 'Stockholm programme' , which highlights protection of citizens, access to justice and promoting citizens’ rights, stepping up EU action against violence against women must be an integral part of such a strategy.

 

1. What actions are planned to encourage and support Member States in developing national action plans to tackle violence against women?

 

2. Does the Commission plan to put to the Council proposals for guidelines for a more coherent EU policy plan to tackle violence against women?

 

3. What does the Commission think about organising a special high-level conference attended by representatives coming from political bodies, civil society and social and institutional organisations, with the aim of feeding into a process of developing more coherent policies to address violence against women?

 

4. When does the Commission intend to organise a European Year against Violence against Women as repeatedly called for by the EP since 1997?

 

 

Tabled: 01.10.2009

Forwarded: 05.10.2009

Deadline for reply: 12.10.2009