NGOs alarm to worrying lack of domestic abuse victim shelters

The temporary thematic working group charged with evaluating the implementation of Law No. 103.13 related to combating violence against women, formed by the House of Representatives, opened its work with a meeting with the Chief Public Prosecutor, Moulay El Hassan Daki.

In light of the alarming shortage of shelters impeding the implementation of Morocco’s law to combat violence against women, Hespress EN reached out to Widad, an anti-violence against women organization, to better understand the challenges involved with the law’s implementation.

Fatima Tazoukit, the association’s founder, noted that law 103.13, which was first brought to light five years ago, does not provide instructions or operational methods to combat violence against women.

“The texts are here but we need a budget”, explained Tazoukit, whose association disposes of a shelter with the capacity to welcome 30 women and 30 children.

She stated that a law without a proper budget hampers its execution, especially given Morocco’s severe shortage of shelters.

This week, the temporary thematic working group charged with evaluating the circumstances and conditions for implementing Law 103.13 began its work with a meeting with Chief Public Prosecutor Moulay El Hassan Daki.

Five years after the text’s creation, the organization wants to know how much of it has been put into practice.

In this regard, an informed source who attended the meeting told Hespress AR that the group has brought out several issues that hinder the application of law 103.13.

The Public Prosecution finds it challenging to refer women who are victims of violence, especially marital violence, to these centers because of how few there are in the nation and how inadequate their facilities are, according to the same source, which also noted that this law, despite its great importance, continues to face several obstacles. 

Tazoukit stressed the value of adequately equipping pre-existing shelters since they receive a lot of moms and their kids.

“In these situations, both the mothers and children are victims alike of domestic violence, which requires proper care and attention,” explained Widad’s founder.

She stressed that funding, whether for building more shelters or maintaining the existing few, continues to be the major barrier to the law’s implementation.

“This law is a bold move that we are incredibly proud of,” said Tazoukit, but stated that it needs reinforcement.

She advised that to remove the barriers preventing the law’s implementation, it be reviewed in the presence of members of civil society and subject to field worker feedback.

In contrast to the logistical hurdles facing the implementation, Moroccan women are increasingly reporting violence compared to a few years back, according to a recent report by the National Council for Human Rights (CNDH).

The number of complaints filed with the Public Prosecution Office in the past few years for violence against women rose, which could either single a rise in violence against women, or increased ability of women to come forward with complaints.