Moroccan teen's courage exposes years of abuse, father jailed

A 15-year-old girl’s bravery has brought her father to justice after enduring years of sexual abuse in silence. Using her mobile phone to record evidence, she broke through the cultural and legal barriers that often keep such crimes hidden.

A harrowing ordeal uncovered

The abuse began when the girl was just 13, taking place when other family members were absent. Court documents reveal that the father, a man in his 60s, repeatedly assaulted her and warned, “If you tell anyone, I’ll hurt you and your mother.”

For two years, she lived in fear, concealing the abuse. Last month, however, she secretly recorded one of the attacks on her mobile phone. This video became critical evidence, leading to her father’s arrest.

According to Al-Sabah newspaper, the father confessed to the assaults after being confronted with his daughter’s testimony and the recorded footage. Following a preliminary hearing, the investigating judge ordered his detention in Ouarzazate’s local prison, heeding the public prosecutor’s request.

Gaps in Morocco’s legal system

The case has reignited discussions about Morocco’s handling of incestuous abuse. While Article 487 of the penal code mandates harsher sentences for crimes committed by relatives or guardians, there is no specific statute addressing incest as a distinct crime.

Kenza Chbihi Lahoudi, a Casablanca-based lawyer, criticized the legal framework, saying, “The law still fails to treat incest as a unique offense, despite its devastating impact on families.”

She noted an increase in similar cases and called for greater societal and legal recognition of the issue, adding, “It’s a tragic paradox when those meant to protect children are their abusers. This isn’t just a legal failure, but a societal crisis.”

Breaking the silence

Cultural stigma remains a major obstacle to reporting familial abuse in Morocco. Activists argue that fear of shame and retaliation keeps many victims silent, leaving countless cases unreported.

This case, however, has forced the issue into the public eye. As the father awaits trial, it raises broader questions about whether Morocco’s legal system will adapt to address such crimes more effectively – and how many other victims continue to suffer in silence.