Rabat – Morocco’s General Directory of National Security (DGSN) reported on Wednesday this week a decline of 11% in violence against women in 2020, during an awareness day dubbed: “The challenges and stakes of supporting women and girls, victims of violence.”
The year 2020 predicted an increase in violence against women, but the recent news proved the opposite.
The data, announced by the Director of Public Security at the DGSN, Zaitoni Alhayel, suggests that there has been a decline in the number of recorded violent incidents against women by 11% compared to last year.
The DGSN noted that there were 50,844 cases with 47,033 victims, of which 9% represented underage girls. The DGSN said it resolved 44,212, equivalent to 94% of total cases.
According to a report by Al Massae, an examination of the statistics indicates that physical violence tops the list of reported violence cases with 44%, followed by economic violence 26%, psychological violence with 20%, and 9% for sexual violence.
The report also noted that despite being on the rise, acts of violence committed through the internet only represented 1% of cases presented to the DGSN.
In addition, the DGSN explained that the amendment of the Moroccan Penal Code and the adoption of law 103.13 has helped them support more women by criminalizing forced marriage and sexual abuse.
The Moroccan parliament adopted the law in 2018, further signaling the country’s willingness to embrace reforms advocating for gender equality and female empowerment.
But while Morocco has achieved some progress in improving women’s conditions, the consensus among observers remains that the country still has a long road to travel to effectively tackle social and cultural barriers hindering optimal female accomplishment and empowerment.
