Morocco sets strategy to fight violence against women

A new strategy to fight violence against women has been drafted in Morocco, announced, in Rabat Friday, and Moroccan secretary of state in charge of the family, solidarity and social action.

Yasmina Baddou said her department has worked out this new strategy and is setting up a center of studies, research and information on women.

The official, who was speaking at a seminar on violence against women, said that domestic violence is a problem of public health. She cited in this regard the 2002 world report on violence and health which showed women are more exposed to domestic violence.

"In societies where there are very clear inequalities between men and women, and where the roles are strictly defined, women are in particular more vulnerable to violence inflicted upon them by their partners," said Mrs. Baddou noting the negative impact of this violence on children.