Moroccan NGO sets up nationwide support centers for women victims of violence

A Moroccan NGO, ADFM, has announced the creation of a nationwide network of support centers for women victims of violence.

The Democratic Association of Moroccan women said the network creation was decided during a joint workshop with the UN fund for Population activities (UNFPA) this April 23-24.

The network will facilitate collecting, analysing and spreading information on violence against women and create a ground for information exchange between various centers.

A study revealed recently that in Casablanca alone, up to 40% of Women admitted in Emergencies are Victims of Domestic Violence.

The survey finds that he majority of victims live in poor neighbourhoods and 61.6 percent of cases of domestic violence are committed by illiterate husbands. More than half (54.5%) of women who were physically assaulted by their husband are housewives. The age of the majority of these women ranges from 20 to 49 years.

The study points out to positive aspects in the reform of the family law that suppressed concepts undermining women's dignity.

The family Law reforms, first announced by King Mohammed VI last October, provide for equality in rights and duties between men and women in family matters and aim to promote the status of women in the Moroccan society.