Witnessed in domestic violence in Morocco from a (40m) hostel owner to his wife (20f)
Hi everyone! This is my first reddit post, after what happened I couldn't stay still. It happened this week.
My bf went to a surf trip with his brother in Morocco south of Tahazout. Everything happened at hostel in a small town. That apperently had countless of good reviews.
Basically they arrived to check in but the owner (40ish m) was very weird, first saying that they could cancel the booking on the website because the stay would have been free (????), and then stating he would bring them to a "secret wave". My bf said the vibe was already off but they were curious anyways and thinking they would go on separate cars (they had a rental car). Spoiler, no. The owner insisted everyone goes in his car, so 4 passengers total (owner, his wife (20ish), my bf and his brother). My bf and his brother are two very adventurous young man, they ve been in countless dangerous situation in their adventures, as they are both very immune to fear, but in the car with that guy driving like crazy they both were terrified.
Did they arrive at a secret beach? No.
They arrived at a bar with an inside room with many other locals watching just a football game. The owner started shouting and creating caos. He was screaming at his with and trying to hit an old man. No one did anything, my bf said it looked like he had some power in the small town because he was probably making more money than everyone else by owning the hostel. After a long while, he was asked to leave because he was disrespecting the old man (if I understood correctly). My bf and his brother were both relieved to be able to go back and leave the hostel as soon as possible, after another terrifying car ride.
Once they reached the hostel and preparing to leave, they saw the owner violently hitting his young wife. I do not know her background but I think we can safely assume she was obligated to stay there with that monster, probably has no money to go anywhere else. This could also have been me in another life as we are close in age.
We are looking for advice from locals, NGOs, women’s organizations, or people familiar with Moroccan law and domestic violence resources.
Is anything we can do to help? Her life must be hell, I'm also worried so could be killed by her husband if he continues his abuse.
Sorry for the bad English, it's not my first language