24/11/2009
Time to stop violence against women
PES Women and MEPs from the S&D Group of the European Parliament urged Member States and the incoming Commission to step up efforts towards eradicating violence against women, on the occasion of the UN’s International Day (25 November) dedicated to the cause.
Their concerns are articulated in a Declaration 
presented in Stockholm on 14 November, which calls for improved legislation, prevention measures, support, and exchanges of best practice. It also urges the incoming Spanish Presidency of the Council to make the issue a priority, and to "promote Spanish legislation as a basis for a common European legislative approach".
Addressing the European Commission directly, the prominent European policy-makers call on the institution to adopt a gender based approach when dealing with human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and domestic violence.
In addition they propose that the Commission promotes the Daphne III programme as a means of reaching non-profit organisations dealing with violence against women.
Commenting on the Declaration, President of PES Women and MEP Zita Gurmai, said: “The 25 November has been marked by women’s rights activists for almost three decades. But the elimination of violence against women will only come within reach when a collaborative and informed effort is made on the local, national and European levels”.
“PES Women and the S&D Group in the European Parliament will continue to put forward proposals and to apply pressure on the Commission towards that direction”, she added.
