Guidance

Information for victims of domestic abuse in Morocco

Published 7 February 2023

Definition of an abusive relationship

Anyone can experience domestic abuse, although women are more likely to experience it.

The UK government’s definition of domestic abuse is:

Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or above who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse: psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional, controlling and coercive behaviour.

In Morocco, domestic violence is any act based on gender discrimination that entails physical, psychological, sexual, or economic harm. Moroccan Law N. 103.13 on combating violence against women, was implemented by the Royal Decree N. 1.18.19. This law on gender-based discrimination was introduced on 12 September 2018. It gives women the right to file complaints of gender based violence. It also provides support for female victims of cybercrimes, to make sure perpetrators are held to account.

First steps

It is your choice about what you do next, but this information may help you identify the options available and enable you to make an informed decision on what is right for you.

The most important thing is to make sure that you are as safe. You can:

• contact the emergency police number in Morocco on 190
• contact your tour operator if you are traveling with one
• contact the British Embassy in Morocco on +212 (0) 537 633 333, or your nearest consulate. We can provide you with information on local police and medical procedures. Anything you tell us will be in confidence. If you want us to, we can contact your family and friends for you
• if you have been affected by rape or sexual assault, refer to our guide for survivors of rape and sexual assault in Morocco

If you need medical treatment

If you have been injured, you should seek medical treatment at the nearest hospital or clinic. Check our list of medical facilities in Morocco. You can ask to speak to a female doctor at the hospital.

You can take someone with you to the local hospital or medical centre for support. They can be another member of your family, a friend or someone from your operator if you are traveling with one.

If you want to report an incident to the police

If you want to report the incident to the police, take photos of your injuries and provide evidence, such as recordings and texts, and details of any witnesses if relevant.

If you have been sexually abused, you should see a doctor and get a medical certificate stating your injuries. You may be able to ask hospital staff to call the police on your behalf.

If you do not want to report an incident to the police

If you go to the hospital but you do not want to report it to the police, tell the doctors when you arrive. They will respect your wishes and are not obliged to inform the police. However, if the doctors suspect sexual abuse, they are obliged to inform the hospital administration.

Foreign nationals can access services in all government hospitals. You may need to pay a small fee.

In some private hospitals, you can pay with credit cards or insurance. In public hospitals, and some other private hospitals you may need to pay in cash.

If you are prescribed any medication, you may wish to keep a record of the medication and let your local health care provider or GP know when you return home.

Police procedures

If you want to report the incident to the police in Morocco and file a complaint against the perpetrator, contact the police:

• on the emergency phone number 190 if you are in immediate danger or
• in person at the nearest police station

The police have a specialist domestic abuse team trained to provide help to victims of domestic violence. You can ask to speak to a female officer. The police will do their best to provide this but it may not always be possible.

If the officers do not speak English, they will organise an interpreter, but you may have to wait for one to arrive. You may wish to appoint a local translator or interpreter.

The police will interview you, collect any evidence you have and they may take photos of your injuries. If you have not been to a hospital or clinic, you may want to ask the police to call an ambulance to take you to the nearest one for medical treatment. Medical reports can help with any prosecution.

A family member or friend can go with you to the police station if you wish.

You can ask the police to inform the British Embassy in Morocco about your circumstance. With your consent we will work with the local police and can contact family and friends on your behalf.

Although police reports are not usually provided to the victim directly, the police should give you a reference number, which you can use to request updates. Police reports are usually in Arabic.

The police may need to take a copy of your passport but will return it to you.

Court procedures

The Moroccan court has a deputy prosecutor specialising in domestic abuse cases, and judges specialising in family affairs, including domestic abuse. The court has a private reception area where you can talk to social workers.

The court takes into consideration your statements to the police and will invite any witnesses to be heard by the judge.

The Court will not automatically update the British Embassy on your case’s progress. The British Embassy can make enquiries and seek request updates from the court on your behalf, but the court is under no obligation to provide information to the embassy.

You may wish to appoint a local lawyer to get updates on your behalf. You will need to give your consent for your lawyer to communicate with the British Embassy. If you do not appoint a lawyer, the social worker will be able to provide advice. If your case goes to trial, it will take place in the local language (Moroccan Darija).

If you wish to attend the court hearing, the local authorities will provide an interpreter. If you do not attend, the prosecutor will proceed with the case using the evidence available.

There is no fixed timescale for the court process. The length of time court proceedings can take depends on many factors including how complex the case is and whether the offender pleads guilty.

If the authorities ask you to return to Morocco for the trial, you will need to make your own arrangements for your travel and accommodation.

Currently there are no Moroccan or UK government compensation schemes for survivors of domestic violence. However, the court can order the offender to pay compensation for any injuries or losses.

If there is sufficient evidence, the prosecutor may proceed with the case even if you do not wish to proceed with the case or give evidence.

If you want to report the incident to the police in the UK

The support available to you, and your access to justice, may vary according to where you report the crime. In many countries, you need to report the crime before you leave the country, if you want it to be investigated and police to obtain important evidence.

If you are staying in Morocco you should report the crime. If you are a British national and you need help to report the crime, you can contact the British Embassy in Rabat or the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

If you do not report the crime in Morocco and you return to the UK, you can still report the matter to your local UK police. The UK police should send the information you provide to the Police in Morocco. However, foreign police forces are under no obligation to open a case and may not take action.

You can report the crime to the UK police even if you are not seeking an investigation abroad. The UK police can offer you access to victim support in the UK. They may still send some details of the crime to police in Morocco as this might be necessary in order to protect vulnerable people, or to stop more crimes being committed.

Read guidance on how to get help in the UK relating to domestic abuse.

See Rape and Sexual Assault: Returning to the UK for more information for victims of rape and sexual assault.

Support organisations in Morocco

The Moroccan Association for Combating Violence Against Women (AMVEF)

The AMVEF network has grown to include more than 70 counselling and psychological and legal assistance centres for women victims of violence across the kingdom.

Website: https://www.amvef.org

Email: amvef@gmail.com

Tel: + 212 (0) 522 26 86 67

The National Union of Moroccan Women (L’Union nationale des femmes du Maroc) (UNFM)

Website: https://www.unfm.ma (in Arabic and French)

Green Number: 8350 (in Arabic and French)

Association Ennakhil (Marrakech):

An independent regional organisation that popularises and promotes the rights of women and their children.

Tel: +212 5243 06709

Association Solidarité Féminine (Casablanca):

Focuses on unmarried mothers, who face discrimination from society.

Website: https://solfem.wordpress.com/home/

Tel: +212 661 858410 or 0522 34 30 90

Association Bayti

Helps victims under 18.

Website: http://www.association-bayti.ma/

The Democratic Association of the Women of Morocco. (l’Association Démocratique des Femmes du Maroc) ADFM

A feminist, independent Moroccan non-government organisation, focused on promoting equality between men and women.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/adfmRabat, https://adfm.ma/

Email: adfm.ong@gmail.com; association.adfm@gmail.com

Rabat office: https://m.facebook.com/adfmRabat/

Tel: + 212 5377 37165

Email: adfm.ass@gmail.com; hadnabi@gmail.com

Casablanca office: https://m.facebook.com/AdfmCasablanca

Tel: +212 661474839

Marrakech office: https://m.facebook.com/ADFM-Marrakech-405831753564847/

Support organisations and useful contacts in the UK

Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge

Tel: 0808 200 0247

Website: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Galop (for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people)

Tel: 0800 999 5428

Website: https://www.galop.org.uk

Live Fear Free helpline (Wales)

Tel: 0808 80 10 800

Website: https://www.livefearfree.gov.wales

Men’s Advice Line

Tel: 0808 801 0327

Website: https://mensadviceline.org.uk

Rape Crisis (England and Wales)

Tel:0808 802 9999

Website: www.rapecrisis.org.uk

Respect phone line

Tel: 0808 802 4040

Website: www.respectphoneline.org.uk

Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline

Tel: 0800 027 1234

Website: sdafmh.org.uk

Scottish Women’s Aid

Tel: 0131 226 6606

Website: https://www.scottishwomensaid.org.uk

Women’s Aid Federation (Northern Ireland)

Tel: 0800 917 1414

Website: https://www.womensaidni.org

Local Services

Find your nearest support office on: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/domestic-abuse-directory.

Disclaimer

This information has been prepared by UK government officials who are not legally or medically trained. It should therefore never be used as a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. It is intended to help British nationals overseas make their own informed decisions. Neither the UK government nor any official of the Consulate accept liability for any loss or damage which you might suffer as a result of relying on the information supplied.