A recent study by the High Commission for Planning, based on 2019 survey data, has revealed alarming figures on gender-based violence in Morocco, particularly affecting teenage girls aged 15 to 19.
Conducted in partnership with UN Women and funded by the European Union, the study found that approximately 825,000 girls in this age group—70.7%—experienced some form of violence in the past year. This rate is significantly higher than the 55.8% recorded among women aged 20 to 74. Women and girls under 50 are the most vulnerable, with a prevalence of 57.1%.
Urban girls face higher rates of violence (75.1%) than rural ones (64.3%). Domestic settings, including family and marital environments, are the most affected, impacting 59.4% of girls. Schools are also concerning, with 25.3% of students reporting violence.
Psychological abuse is most common (61.6%), followed by sexual (23.3%), physical (17.1%), economic (9.1%), and cyber violence (29.4%).
Alarmingly, 60.3% of girls reported intimate partner violence, with 59.1% experiencing physical, psychological, or sexual abuse—much higher than the 43.6% among adult women.
Family violence increases with household size, with fathers and brothers being primary perpetrators. Some mothers also reinforce gendered disciplinary practices, perpetuating harmful norms.
The study highlights growing awareness, with 67.6% of teenage girls believing violence against women has worsened in Morocco, a perception stronger in urban areas (70.4%) than rural ones (63.4%).
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