Silent Suffering: Morocco Grapples with Underreported Domestic Abuse Against Men

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have uncovered a hidden epidemic of domestic violence against men in Morocco, challenging long-held societal norms and exposing significant gaps in legal protections. The master's thesis, titled "Violence Against Men: Reality of Practice and Mechanisms of Combating It," authored by Said Al-Moqdam at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez, sheds light on this often-overlooked issue.

The research reveals that domestic abuse against men is a "real and significant issue" in Morocco, with many victims suffering in silence due to social stigma. Verbal and physical violence emerge as the most common forms of abuse, often stemming from reciprocal violence within relationships or accumulated psychological, social, and economic factors.

A 2021 report from Morocco's High Commission for Planning (HCP) provides further context, showing that while men do experience violence, it is predominantly psychological, especially within marital contexts, accounting for 94% of reported cases. In contrast, women face a broader range of violence, including psychological (69%), economic (12%), physical (11%), and sexual (8%).

The study highlights a stark disparity in Morocco's legal framework. While lawmakers have implemented stringent laws to protect women from domestic violence, similar protections for men are notably absent. Al-Moqdam argues that "the Moroccan legislator has excelled in protecting the wife from her husband's oppression," while offering little to no legal safeguards for husbands facing abuse.

This gender bias extends beyond Morocco's borders, with the research noting that "international conventions still address violence with a gender bias, often referring to the victim as female or as a child." This global perspective contributes to the neglect of male victims in both international and local contexts.

To address these issues, Al-Moqdam proposes several recommendations:

1. Revising Morocco's domestic violence laws, particularly Law 103.13, into a "comprehensive law to combat family violence" that protects all family members, regardless of gender.

2. Introducing preventive measures and legal provisions allowing male victims to seek justice, including the right to file for divorce due to abuse.

3. Increasing public awareness about the dangers of family violence and encouraging media to promote educational content rather than sensationalizing violent incidents.

The research emphasizes that without significant shifts in both legal and societal attitudes, Moroccan men will continue to suffer in silence, their abuse unrecognized and their rights unprotected.

This study serves as a crucial step towards breaking the stigma surrounding male victims of domestic abuse in Morocco. By highlighting the need for gender-neutral approaches to combating family violence, it challenges deeply ingrained societal norms and calls for a more inclusive understanding of domestic abuse. As Morocco continues to grapple with this issue, the findings of this research may pave the way for more comprehensive and equitable protection for all victims of domestic violence, regardless of gender.