Alarming Study: 70% of Moroccan Teen Girls Experience Violence

This data comes from the national survey on violence against women and men. According to this study, the phenomenon is taking on alarming proportions in the kingdom. Nearly 60% of Moroccan teenage girls suffer in silence from domestic violence (spousal, family or economic violence). A quarter of the girls surveyed have been victims of it in the educational environment, including 22.8% in urban areas and 34.9% in rural areas.

In most cases (harassment, threats, humiliation, sexual assault), the perpetrators are classmates (62%) or teachers (31%). This violence pushes young girls to drop out of school, the report notes, also revealing that nearly 282,000 girls aged 15 to 19 have been victims of electronic violence, or 29.4%. This new form of silent violence generally manifests itself on social networks, in messaging or online games. Girls from households headed by women or integrated into the professional world are the most exposed.

The study also reveals that 42% of girls have been victims of physical or sexual violence during their childhood. Parents, fathers in particular, are pointed out. Similarly, the HCP points out that 63.2% of married or divorced girls were married before the age of 18. In rural areas, they are 67.2%. Figures showing that the phenomenon of child marriage is deeply rooted in Morocco. The future of Moroccan teenage girls is thus sacrificed, in the name of social or economic logics.

For about 40% of young women, conjugal violence is a couple’s affair, while 18.4% believe that it must be endured in silence to preserve family harmony. These social pressures constitute a major obstacle to the liberation of speech and the care of victims. Furthermore, the report notes a lower risk of violence if the woman enjoys financial autonomy. Salaried girls or those engaged in income-generating activities are less exposed to this violence. Faced with this growing phenomenon, a synergy of actions is necessary to broaden awareness among the youngest and fight against gender stereotypes.