Combatting Violence Against Women: A Call for Immediate Action

The Challenge for Equality and Citizenship Association (ADEC) has voiced its outrage following the shocking assault on a mother and her daughter in Tetouan, an incident caught on camera and widely shared online.

In its statement, the association highlighted that this distressing event underscores the ongoing daily violence faced by women, exposing the shortcomings of current punitive measures and the lack of substantial efforts to shift mindsets that justify violence as a means to resolve conflicts.

While ADEC acknowledged the swift response from judicial authorities, who promptly referred the perpetrator to the relevant public prosecutor, it criticized the limitations of Law 103.13. Despite being a positive milestone since its introduction in 2018, the law falls short of addressing the issue comprehensively.

The association also emphasized the urgent need for effective awareness programs to counter regressive ideas that normalize violence, warning of the social and economic consequences of such attitudes.

Finally, ADEC called on the government to expedite its 2024 public policy evaluations and thoroughly revise Law 103.13 to enhance women’s protection and ensure justice. The statement concluded by urging stronger collaboration between governmental bodies and civil society to combat violence against women and create a safer environment for them.