Rabat, Sept.12.– A group of lawyers in charge of defending rape survivors gathered in April 1st for a press conference in Morocco’s capital city of Rabat to highlight the struggle and difficulties that survivors face in their everyday life.
Morocco has witnessed a significant number of rape cases recently, with several perpetrators now behind bars. During the press conference, the lawyers expressed their unconditional support for the sexually abused women and asserted that the Moroccan state and society lack moral and materialistic means for providing sufficient mental and financial support.
The defense committee unanimously affirmed that the compensation the survivors received, who now suffer ongoing mental trauma due to sexual abuse, do not cover the harm or cure the burden they will carry for the rest of their lives.
The conference was also an opportunity for storytelling with the aim of instilling moral values in civil society. Among these are compassion and understanding for survivors, who have become marginalized due to society’s point of view regarding their unfortunate experiences.As the conservative Moroccan society considers opening up about sexual abuse or assault as taboo, survivors of sexual assault and rape often opt to stay silent.
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