HIBAPRESS – Abdellatif Baraka
On the occasion of International Men's Day, which falls on November 19th of each year, an important discussion returns to the forefront regarding violence against men in Morocco, a topic that was previously raised within Parliament as part of a questioning of the government about the growth of this phenomenon and ways to address it.
Despite the constant focus on violence against women as a priority for rights, this does not negate the existence of multiple forms of violence suffered by a number of men, whether physical, psychological, or economic, with the accompanying silence imposed by a social culture that makes it difficult for a man to admit his situation as a victim. In clear evidence of the size of the phenomenon, one of the assistance networks received approximately 24,000 cases of violence against men in recent years. In addition, a number of specialists raise the issue of what can be described as "legal violence" resulting from some provisions of the Family Code, especially the procedure for discord that facilitated divorce procedures, which was associated with a noticeable increase in the rates of separation, as official data indicate significant increases in the number of divorce cases during the current year. Critics believe that some of these provisions have contributed to changing the balance of roles within the family, and have produced cases of exploitation or psychological and material pressure on spouses. Testimonies from reality reveal images of unspoken violence; men who have lost their homes due to family disputes, others who have lived through decades of tension and psychological violence, or who have found themselves threatened with the disintegration of their families as a result of economic or social pressures exploited within judicial procedures. Despite the growing phenomenon, the institutional system still lacks mechanisms of support dedicated to men, given the dominance of the unilateral approach that focuses only on violence against women, which leaves many men without sufficient social or legal protection. Combating family violence can only be effective by adopting a comprehensive approach that elevates the value of the human being, balances between protecting women and men, and allows for the building of a cohesive family. Recognizing violence against men is not a subtraction from women's rights, but a necessary step towards a more just and cohesive society.
