Providing survivor-centered police and justice services in Morocco

As an initial contact point, the Units are designed to make survivors feel heard and protected, as well as to record and refer their cases. Each Unit is staffed with a trained police chief and a police officer whose job it is to demonstrate the police force’s commitment to the survivor’s well-being, and support their path to justice without discrimination, bias or pre-judgement. 

“It takes a lot of determination and courage for women to ask the police for support. Our role is to give survivors all the time they need to feel safe and comfortable, and for them to trust us enough to tell their story,” explains Police Chief Saliha Najeh. Chiefs of the Police Units for Women Victims of Violence are appointed on their merits and sensitivity to the issue. They receive training from UN Women on survivor-centered approaches and international norms and standards for police handling of such cases. 

“On the way to the police station, I was afraid that they would ignore me and that they wouldn’t believe me,” says Layla*, who was abused, pregnant and unmarried when she sought help. Her fears were compounded by the fact that sexual relations outside of marriage are illegal in Morocco.  

“But when I arrived, I was warmly welcomed. The first thing she told me was that there is a solution to everything. I will never forget that. It has become my motto in life. Her words encouraged me to tell her the whole story,” says Layla. “At the time, I felt insecure, unsafe, and that my life was over, but meeting her made me realize that I still have a chance to get my life back.”  

The experience made Layla feel less alone: “After contacting the police unit, I felt empowered and, most of all, supported. It felt so good to be surrounded by caring people.” The unit later referred Layla to a shelter for single mothers, which enabled her to complete her higher education while taking care of her child.