Best Domestic Violence Lawyers in Tétouan

About Domestic Violence Law in Tétouan, Morocco

Domestic violence in Tétouan is addressed under Moroccan national law, which applies throughout the country. The law recognizes that violence inside the family or intimate relationships can be physical, psychological, sexual, or economic. Since 2018, Law 103-13 on violence against women has strengthened protections and penalties, amended the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code, and introduced protection orders and support mechanisms for victims. Courts in Tétouan, including the Family Section of the Court of First Instance and the Prosecutor’s Office, handle domestic violence cases. Police units and the Royal Gendarmerie have specialized cells for women and children. Public hospitals can issue medico-legal certificates that are important for evidence.

While cultural and social approaches to family matters vary locally, the legal framework is national. Victims and at-risk persons in Tétouan can seek urgent protection and bring both criminal and civil actions, including divorce, custody, and maintenance claims under the Family Code known as the Moudawana.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you understand your options, protect your rights, and move quickly. Common situations that call for legal help include applying for a protection order to stop contact or remove an aggressor from the home, filing a criminal complaint for assault, threats, or harassment, seeking a divorce on grounds of harm and requesting spousal maintenance, child custody, and child support, negotiating temporary measures such as exclusive use of the home or supervised visitation, gathering and preserving evidence such as medical certificates, witness statements, and digital messages, responding to counter-complaints or mediation pressure, and appealing decisions or enforcing judgments when an aggressor violates orders.

Lawyers also coordinate with prosecutors, police, and social services, help you prepare statements safely, and request confidentiality measures when needed. If finances are tight, a lawyer can advise on legal aid and reduced-cost options.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal points relevant in Tétouan include the following. Law 103-13 on violence against women defines and punishes physical, psychological, sexual, and economic violence within family and intimate settings. It strengthened sanctions for assault against a spouse or former spouse, criminalized certain forms of harassment including by electronic means, and made expelling a spouse from the home a punishable act. Protection orders are available through the courts at the request of the victim or their representative. Depending on urgency, the public prosecutor can take immediate protective steps and the court can issue an order that may prohibit contact and harassment, require the aggressor to leave the home, restrict access to the victim or children, and order the surrender of weapons. Violating a protection order is a criminal offense.

The Criminal Procedure Code allows the public prosecutor in Tétouan to receive complaints, request medical examinations, refer victims to shelters or hospital units, and open investigations. Police and gendarmerie have specialized units to receive women and child victims. The Penal Code imposes aggravated penalties when the victim is a spouse, fiancé, or ex-spouse. Medical certificates stating days of incapacity are often used to assess the gravity of assault. As a general guide, injuries with 20 or more days of total temporary incapacity can lead to heavier penalties.

Under the Family Code Moudawana, violence can establish harm for divorce, and courts can set urgent measures related to custody, maintenance nafaka, housing, and visitation. A court may restrict or supervise visitation if there is risk to a child or the other parent. Repeated violence and failure to provide maintenance can influence custody and financial decisions.

Statutes of limitation generally run from the date of the offense. Typical periods are 1 year for contraventions, 4 years for misdemeanors, and 15 years for felonies. Deadlines can be complex, so prompt legal advice is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as domestic violence under Moroccan law

Domestic violence includes physical harm, threats, intimidation, harassment, sexual violence, and economic control that deprives a spouse or partner of resources. Law 103-13 and the Penal Code recognize violence by a spouse, ex-spouse, fiancé, or family member. Psychological violence such as repeated insults, coercive control, and stalking can also be actionable, especially when combined with threats or electronic harassment.

Where do I report abuse in Tétouan

You can report to the nearest police station in the city, the Royal Gendarmerie in rural areas, or directly to the Public Prosecutor Procureur du Roi at the Court of First Instance of Tétouan. In emergencies, call Police at 19 in urban areas or Royal Gendarmerie at 177. Civil Protection and firefighters can be reached at 15, and medical emergency SAMU at 141.

How do protection orders work

A protection order is a court decision that can prohibit contact and harassment, remove the aggressor from the home, and set temporary safeguards for you and your children. In urgent cases, the public prosecutor can take immediate protective steps, and the court can issue an order quickly after reviewing evidence such as statements, messages, and medical certificates. Violating the order is a separate offense.

Do I need a medical certificate to file a complaint

You can file a complaint without a medical certificate, but obtaining one from a public hospital or forensic unit in Tétouan strengthens your case. The certificate records injuries and days of incapacity, which courts and prosecutors consider when classifying the offense and deciding penalties. Seek medical attention as soon as possible after an incident.

Can the abusive spouse be removed from the home

Yes. Courts can order the aggressor to leave the marital home as part of a protection order. Law 103-13 also punishes the act of expelling a spouse from the home. If you fear immediate harm, alert the police or prosecutor to request urgent measures.

How does domestic violence affect divorce, custody, and maintenance

Violence can establish harm for divorce and may influence custody, visitation, and financial awards. Courts may limit or supervise visitation to protect children, order maintenance nafaka, and assign housing rights temporarily. Evidence of violence and failure to provide support are important factors for the Family Court in Tétouan.

What evidence should I keep

Keep medical certificates, photos of injuries or damaged property, threatening messages or call logs, witness names and contact details, prior complaints, and any protection orders. Store copies in a safe place and consider giving them to your lawyer or a trusted person.

Will the aggressor be notified if I complain

The authorities must notify a suspect of proceedings and their rights at the appropriate stage. However, you can ask for urgent protective measures and request confidentiality safeguards such as a safe address. A lawyer can help you plan safe reporting.

Is legal aid available in Tétouan

Yes. Courts can grant legal aid assistance judiciaire in civil and family matters for eligible low-income applicants. The local bar association also manages duty counsel and reduced-fee consultations. Bring proof of income and identity when you apply.

Can foreigners or non-residents report domestic violence

Yes. Anyone within Morocco can file a complaint and request protection. Interpreters may be available. If your residence status depends on your spouse, seek legal advice promptly to understand both safety and immigration implications.

Additional Resources

Emergency services in Morocco: Police 19 in cities, Royal Gendarmerie 177 outside cities, Civil Protection 15, medical emergency SAMU 141. Use these numbers if you are in immediate danger.

Public Prosecutor at the Court of First Instance of Tétouan: receives domestic violence complaints and can order urgent measures. Ask for the cell for women and children victims.

Police and Gendarmerie units for women and children: available in Tétouan and surrounding areas to take statements in a safer setting.

Public hospitals in Tétouan: can provide medical treatment and medico-legal certificates. Ask about units that support women and child victims of violence.

Family Court Section at the Court of First Instance of Tétouan: handles divorce, custody, maintenance, and protection order applications.

Ordre des Avocats near the Court of Appeal of Tétouan: for referrals to lawyers experienced in domestic violence, family law, and criminal procedure, and information about legal aid.

Social protection services and shelters: Entraide Nationale centers and local listening centers may offer social support, temporary accommodation, and accompaniment to court or hospital. Ask police, hospital social workers, or your lawyer for the nearest options.

National support networks: Morocco has networks of women’s counseling centers and shelters that operate in several cities and can coordinate assistance in Tétouan. Prosecutors, police units, and hospitals can provide the closest contact points.

Next Steps

Prioritize safety. If you are in immediate danger, call 19 or 177 and move to a safe place. If safe, contact a trusted person who can help you leave quickly and keep copies of key documents.

Seek medical care. Go to a public hospital as soon as possible to treat injuries and request a medico-legal certificate. Tell medical staff what happened so they can document it accurately.

Report the abuse. File a complaint with the police, gendarmerie, or directly with the Public Prosecutor in Tétouan. Bring any evidence you have, including medical certificates and messages. Ask for urgent protective measures.

Consult a lawyer. A local lawyer can prepare your protection order request, coordinate with the prosecutor, and advise you on criminal and family law options, including divorce, custody, and maintenance. Ask about legal aid if cost is a concern.

Consider civil measures. If you plan to separate, your lawyer can file for divorce based on harm, request temporary housing and support, and seek custody and visitation orders that protect you and your children.

Document and follow up. Keep a record of incidents, visits to police or hospitals, and any breaches of orders. Report violations immediately. Courts can enforce and modify orders when circumstances change.

Important notice. This guide is informational and does not replace personalized legal advice. Laws and procedures can change, and timelines can be short. A lawyer in Tétouan can provide advice tailored to your situation.