Reports Emphasize Gaps in Morocco’s Violence Against Women Law

Rabat – A video published by the Mobilising Rights Association last week addresses the low percentage of prosecutions in cases of violence against women.

Law 103.13 on Combating Violence against Women aims to address violence against women in all its forms, physical, psychological, economic, and sexual.

The data captures the impacts of Law 103.13 after its 2018 enactment.

In 2024:

• Only 15 prosecutions were recorded for sexual harassment in the workplace
• 10 prosecutions involved perpetrators violating no-contact orders
• 886 prosecutions were recorded for sexual harassment in public spaces

Other figures include:

• 56 prosecutions for intentional homicides of women
• 649 prosecutions for rape
• 2,568 prosecutions for violence resulting in more than 20 days of incapacity

The report highlights the need for greater alignment between Morocco’s legal framework and the objectives of Law 103.13 — an issue long raised by women’s rights groups.

MRA’s 2022 and 2024 reports both assert that current legal provisions may unintentionally affect efforts to encourage reporting and protection for victims of violence.

Fear and distrust in the system ‘discourage women from seeking help’

The High Commission for Planning’s last National Survey on Violence Against Women and Men in 2019 reported that at least 57% of women have experienced violence. However, only 10.5% (18% for physical violence and less than 3% for sexual violence) report their complaints to police or relevant authorities. 

The United Nations asserts that lengthy investigations, uncertain trial outcomes, and “the fear of being shamed or blamed by the police and lack of trust in the justice system discourages most women from seeking help.”

Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH) previously described violence against women as the most widespread human rights violation in the world. It also underscored global estimates that around 140 women and girls are killed every day – nearly one life lost every 10 minutes. 

While MRA and other rights groups maintain that fragmented legal codes “promote and perpetuate gender stereotypes that fuel such violence,” the country is taking steps toward addressing the issue.

Morocco’s Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family, Naima Benyahia, announced on Monday the launch of a new care unit aimed at strengthening legal and institutional support for victims.

“On combating violence against women next week, the central unit, previously never activated, will be officially launched,” Benyahia said during a session at the House of Representatives. 

Pushes for action from rights groups and governmental bodies align with public concern. Data released by Afrobarometer last year found that 76% of Moroccans think police and courts should do more to protect women and girls against discrimination and harassment.

The disparity in cases of violence to actual prosecutions nearly a decade after the implementation of Law 103.13 continues to see calls for closer alignment of legal frameworks and enhanced protection for victims.

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