Rabat, Morocco, (ANTARA News) - A new law criminalizing violence against women entered into force in Morocco on Wednesday.

Approved by parliament on Feb. 14, the new law imposes tougher penalties on perpetrators of various types of violence against women, especially if they are subjected to violence by those close to them, and who have authority over them and are supposed to protect them.

The law criminalizes for the first time forcing women into marriage and sexual harassment, said Xinhua.

Over the last few months, cases of violence against women have multiplied, pushing many women to set up protests to pressure the government to draft tougher laws against perpetrators and create a safer space for females in public.

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Chaidar Abdullah
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