Under the guidance of Princess Lalla Meryem, who presides over the National Observatory for Children's Rights (ONDE), the organization has activated the National Child Psychotrauma Unit (DNPTE) to support the young victim of rape in El Jadida during the Moulay Abdellah Amghar festival. According to a statement from the observatory, ONDE has also appointed a specialized child psychiatrist to promptly deliver the necessary psychological intervention, aiming to mitigate the impact of this violence on the child's mental health. Since the incident occurred, the observatory has been working in close coordination with the prosecutor and the legal team managing the case, ensuring that protective measures for the child are diligently followed. It is well-recognized that violence against children can have profound and lasting effects on their mental health. Global scientific research has consistently shown a strong correlation between trauma and violence against children and various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, suicide, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse in adulthood, aggressive or antisocial behavior, and cognitive impairments that can hinder academic achievement. The National Child Psychotrauma Unit (DNPTE), established by Lalla Meryem in October 2023, consists of six specialized units located in major cities such as Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Agadir, Oujda, and Fes. This unit is designed to assist individuals under 18 who have experienced natural or human-induced disasters or events with potentially severe psychological impacts. The swift deployment of emergency psychological teams and experts ensures an immediate, tailored response for affected children, while also laying the groundwork for ongoing therapeutic support.
