Rabat – Morocco officially launched on Friday a central unit dedicated to supporting women victims of violence, aiming to strengthen protection services and improve coordination between institutions.
Established under Law 103.13 on combating violence against women, the new unity was introduced during a meeting with the presence of Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family Naima Ben Yahya, Prosecutor General at the Court of Cassation Hicham Balaoui, UNFPA representative in Morocco Mariella Sander, and Fatima Chtatou, head of the National Commission for Women Victims of Violence.
Speaking at the event, Ben Yahia said the launch marks “a qualitative step” in improving Morocco’s system for assisting survivors. She explained that the initiative aligns with national efforts to strengthen women’s rights and ensure access to proper care, including legal guidance, psychological support, and social assistance.
The central unit will supervise and coordinate regional support cells that are expected to be rolled out across the country. It will also work to standardize procedures, improve service quality, and ensure better cooperation between different actors involved in handling cases of violence.
It adds to existing institutional mechanisms aimed at providing legal protection to women, Balaoui said, noting that the unit brings together qualified human resources to ensure more effective handling of cases.
Meanwhile, Sander welcomed the initiative, which received support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), saying it is expected to “make life better for women.”
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Chtatou said the unit is designed to provide tailored support to women and their children, with dedicated spaces that ensure safe reception and attentive listening.
The unit will also monitor cases through the digital platform “Aman Lak,” designed for women in vulnerable situations, and represent the ministry in regional and local committees led by the public prosecution.
The launch comes as violence against women remains a significant issue in Morocco. According to data from the High Commission for Planning (HCP), more than half of Moroccan women have experienced some form of violence in their lifetime, with many cases going unreported due to social stigma and lack of access to support services.
A 2025 report from Morocco’s High Commission for Planning (HCP), based on a 2019 survey, revealed that around 825,000 girls between the ages of 15 and 19 were the victim of violence in the 12 months preceding the survey. This represents over 70% of respondents.
Authorities say the new unit is part of a broader approach to improve governance, prevention, and response mechanisms, with the goal of reducing violence and its impact on women and society.
