During Ramadan, the little girl was found lifeless in a trash bin, a tragedy that sent shockwaves through the town of Sidi Taibi in Kenitra province. She had gone missing the night before during Taraweeh prayers, and her family’s desperate search quickly spread on social media. But by morning, hope turned to heartbreak with the discovery of her body. An investigation revealed that Jaidaa was victim of a sexual assault by her 16-year-old uncle.
In Kéko, Boulmane province, Basma, as she is called in variousnews reports, is another sexual abuse survivor. At 12 years old allegedly raped by her cousin. Recently, Basma attempted suicide after a case of blackmail and sexual exploitation was exposed leading to the arrest of eight high school students, according to a local news outlet. More arrests are expected. The Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) condemned the case and demanded full accountability, according to news reports.
“Sexual abuse is the most destructive form of violence to a child’s psychology,” said Dr. Ghizlaine Ziad, a clinical psychologist based in Rabat.
Ziad explains that sexual abuse consequences may manifest as a rejection of any form of sexuality in adulthood or, conversely, the development of deviant sexual behaviors where scenes of rape are repeatedly reenacted in an attempt to find meaning. Self-destructive behaviors, such as eating disorders or drug addiction are also very common outcomes.
“The most tragic consequence, undoubtedly, is the transgenerational transmission of trauma,” said Ziad. “In these families, where silence is the only possible response, the trauma perpetuates from generation to generation, creating entire lineages of victims.”
Systemic Failures: The need for legal reform and protection
As Jaidaa’s and Basma’s painfully shocking stories will continue to haunt Morocco and highlight the urgent need for reform. Overall, the government has made some efforts to address the sexual abuse of children, but civil society activists argue that more proactive measures are needed. Strengthening child protection institutions, increasing awareness, and ensuring swift legal action against abusers are essential steps toward change.
Hassan Akbaio, president of Karama Association for Human Rights in Tetouan points out that while Morocco has laws against child abuse, enforcement remains weak.
“There is a gap between legal texts and their actual implementation,” said Akbaio. He expressed deep concern over the rising cases of child sexual abuse in northern Morocco, particularly in cities like Ouazzane, Tetouan, Chefchaouen, and Tangier.
« Our association receives numerous cases of children, both girls and boys, who have suffered rape and sexual harassment, » he stated. Akbaio highlighted the troubling reality of abuse within schools, recalling a case in Chefchaouen where a teacher was convicted of harassing students and sentenced to only five years in prison.
He placed the blame on both the state and families, asserting that « the government’s failure to enforce harsher penalties enables these crimes to persist, while families, especially in rural areas, often prioritize reputation over justice. They choose silence rather than reporting a relative to authorities, allowing perpetrators to escape justice, which only fuels further abuse.
Dr Ziad agrees. “Silence hinders the healing process, and the repercussions of untreated trauma can be devastating on both psychological and physical levels,” said Ziad.
Dr. Ziad asserts that this cycle is broken when a victim speaks out and breaks the silence, thereby preventing the transmission to the next generation.
Dr. Ziad notes that identifying a child as a victim of such abuse assigns them a lifelong status, bringing about various social consequences, including family blame, marginalization, or even harassment and attacks. Ziad observes that society often perceives victims as “second-class individuals”, viewing them as traumatized and “broken.” She also points out that reporting sexual abuse and acknowledging victimhood can lead to severe repercussions, while remaining silent—although it’s a mistake —may appear less costly.
Alarming Statistics and Missing Data
Cases of violence against children saw a sharp increase in 2023, according to the latest annual report from the Public Prosecution Office. A total of 9,106 cases were recorded, up from 7,931 in 2022—an alarming increase. The number of child victims also surged, reaching 9,357 in 2023 compared to 8,159 the previous year.
Sexual violence against minors remains a grave concern. In 2022 alone, 3,295 cases of sexual assault against children were documented, accounting for over 41% of all crimes of violence against minors. However, the latest report has yet to provide specific data on child sexual assault cases for 2023.
Sociologist Rachid Lebyed, from Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez, asserts that child sexual abuse is a global phenomenon whose severity varies according to social, cultural, and economic factors. He highlights illiteracy as a fundamental driver of this issue.
“How can parents who have never received an education and lack even basic knowledge of sexual education be sufficiently aware to protect their children?” ponders Lebyed. He also underscores the role of poverty and marginalization, noting that “assaults often occur in impoverished communities, where families’ vulnerability and lack of resources make them easy targets for exploitation.”
In discussing child sexual abuse, Rachid Lebyed highlights “a cultural dysfunction rooted in secrecy, fueled by the fear of social stigma, which discourages victims and their families from reporting such crimes.” He also disagrees with the notion that rape is primarily a product of a patriarchal society, clarifying that “a rapist does not commit his crime simply because he is male, but because he suffers from psychological disorders or carries unresolved trauma”.
He further contrasts Moroccan society with others that take a firmer stance on rape cases, emphasizing that in some countries, legal awareness prompts families to seek justice immediately, without hesitation.
However, in Morocco, he sees “secrecy and social stigma as significant barriers that delay victims’ access to justice.” Nonetheless, he acknowledges that social and media-driven transformations are beginning to shift this dynamic, as sexual abuse cases are now being taken more seriously, and social media has played a role in breaking the silence and increasing public awareness.
“Regarding the psychological impact of sexual abuse, its emotional and social consequences can last for years, making specialized psychological support essential for victims,” said Lebyed.
However, Lebyed criticizes the lack of attention given to mental health in Morocco, arguing that “state intervention is necessary to provide psychological care for child victims, especially since most affected families live in poverty and cannot afford therapy.”
Sexual Education: A Key to Preventing Abuse
Psychologist Ghizlane Ziad, highlights that sexual abuse is a profoundly senseless trauma for victims, threatening their entire psychological framework.
Consequently, recovery necessitates long-term psychological intervention. She identifies “education and awareness as pivotal strategies in this healing process”. Emphasizing their importance for both parents, enabling them to better protect and support their children’s recovery, and for children themselves, helping them recognize potential dangers and reconstruct their lives effectively.
Dr. Ziad advocates for a societal approach where respecting individual boundaries becomes the norm across all settings; private, public, or professional. Such an environment fosters safer communities and supports the healing journey of survivors.
From his perspective, Rachid Lebyed insists that combating social stigmas requires intensive awareness campaigns through media and schools, with a strong emphasis on integrating sexual education into the curriculum. He believes that “since many families lack the necessary awareness, schools must play a crucial role in educating children about their bodily rights and how to protect themselves.”
Furthermore, Rachid Lebyed points out that some societies have successfully reduced child abuse cases by introducing sexual education in schools, equipping children with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to potential threats. He asserts that “when a child understands the sanctity of their body, they become less susceptible to exploitation—especially since, in many cases, the perpetrator is someone from their close circle.” However, he acknowledges that initiating early conversations on this topic remains a challenge in Morocco, as “the country’s educational and family structures often disregard individual privacy and are influenced by the presence of extended family dynamics.”
Ikram Akadar is an independent journalist specializing in Human Rights & Gender Issues. She writes for Raseef22, a Lebanon-based publication and AngloMedia Group, based in Rabat.
