Child Sexual Assault Cases Surge in Morocco, Report Reveals

Thus, according to this report, 2,800 cases of sexual assault, the majority with violence, were committed against children. The number of cases handled rose to 7,263 in 2018 against 5,980 in 2017.

The 2018 table shows 536 cases of rape on minor girls; 1,756 indecent assaults with violence against 1,422 girls and 334 boys; 523 cases of indecent assault without violence, against 345 girls and 178 boys and 309 cases of kidnapping (275 girls and 34 boys). 38 children, including 23 girls, were victims of human trafficking. The report also indicates 1 girl and 8 boys exploited in drug trafficking networks.

Finally, the number of attacks on the physical integrity of children amounts to 1,454 cases, of which 478 exceeded an incapacity period of 20 days. Thus, the total number of crimes against minors stands at 7,031 cases, or 66.6% against female children and 33.6% against male children.

These official figures were published in a context where the debate on the application or not of the death penalty is resurfacing, in the wake of the rape and murder of little Adnane in Tangier.