30.4.2004 Official Journal of the European Union L 143/1 | (Acts whose publication is obligatory) DECISION No 803/2004/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 21 April 2004 adopting a programme of Community action (2004 to 2008) to prevent and combat violence against children, young people and women and to protect victims and groups at risk (the Daphne II programme) THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE (2) COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, It is important and necessary to recognise the serious immediate and long-term implications of violence for health, psychological and social development, and for the equal opportunities of those concerned, for individuals, families and communities, and the high Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European social and economic costs to society as a whole. Community, and in particular Article 152 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, (3)  According to the World Health Organisation’s definition, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. A World Health Assembly resolution adopted at the 49th World Health Assembly in Geneva in 1996 declares that violence is a leading worldwide public health problem. The World report on violence and health presented by the World Health Organisation in Brussels on 3 October 2002 recommends promoting primary prevention responses, strengthening responses for victims of violence and increasing collaboration and exchange of information on violence prevention. Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1), Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (%), Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (3), (4)  These principles are recognised in numerous conventions, declarations and protocols of the main international organisations and institutions such as the United Nations, the International Labour Organisation, the World Conference on Women and the World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children. This important work performed by international organisations should be complemented by Whereas: (1)  Physical, sexual and psychological violence against children, young people and women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life, constitute a breach of their right to life, safety, freedom, dignity and physical and emotional integrity and a serious threat to the physical and mental health of the victims of such that of the Community. Indeed, Article 3(1)(p) of the Treaty requires Community action to include a contribution to the attainment of a high level of health protection. violence. The effects of such violence are so widespread throughout the Community as to constitute a genuine health scourge and an obstacle to the enjoyment of safe, free and just citizenship. (5)  The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (%) 1 reaffirms, inter alia, the rights to dignity, equality and solidarity. It includes a number of specific provisions to protect and promote physical and mental integrity, equal treatment for men and women, the () OJ C 208, 3.9.2003, p. 52. () O] C 256, 24.10.2003, p. 85. (%) Opinion of the European Parliament of 3 September 2003 (not yet published in the Official Journal), Council Common Position of 1 December 2003 (O] C 54 E, 2.3.2004, p. 1), Position of the European Parliament of 9 March 2004 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and Decision of the Council of 30 March 2004. () OJ C 364, 18.12.2000, p. 1.