Fury after network shows how to mask domestic violence

ABC
Nov 28, 2016, updated Nov 28, 2016

The station later apologised and called the segment "appropriate". Photo: YouTube.

A Moroccan state television network has been labelled a “disgrace” after airing a tutorial on how women can cover up signs of domestic violence.

The segment, broadcast on channel 2M’s morning show Sabahiyat, featured make-up artist Lilia Mouline explaining how make-up can be used to “camouflage traces of violence”.

Ms Mouline demonstrated several “beauty tips” on a woman who had been made to appear as though she had bruising around her eyes.

“We hope that these beauty tips help you continue your normal life,” Ms Mouline said during the segment, which was intended to promote International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25.

Ms Mouline spoke about the best products to use so that the signs of a “beating” can be disguised.

“Make sure to use loose powder to fix the makeup so if you have to work throughout the day, the bruises don’t show.”

“Use foundation with yellow in it, if you use the white one, your red punch marks will always show.”

The segment prompted fierce public outrage, with a petition calling for the High Authority of Audiovisual Communication (HACA) to take action against 2M receiving hundreds of signatures.

“Do not cover domestic violence with makeup, condemn the aggressor!” the petition read.

“No woman should ever have to live through domestic violence, let alone consider covering up its traces. Shame on you 2M,” one petition supporter said.

Station blames ‘editorial error of judgment’

2M has now issued online and on-air apologies for the “completely inappropriate” segment, which they called a “editorial error of judgment”.

The station said the choice was a “complete contradiction” to their commitment to women’s rights and they will “take the necessary steps to strengthen control and supervision”.

The apology has not been well received by many online, with some calling for those involved to be dismissed, and for Ms Mouline to visit a shelter for victims of domestic violence.

“You are a disgrace to this society, error of judgment is the joke of the century,” Karima Boujane said on the 2M Facebook page.

“I was deeply disturbed by your programme, which not only normalises domestic violence but glamourizes it. Instead of empty words, you should make a genuine contribution to a charity that works with victims of domestic violence,” Duska Zagorac told 2M via Facebook.

At the beginning of this year, Human Rights Watch condemned Morocco’s “tepid response” to domestic violence, saying police, prosecutors and judges often failed to punish abusers or assist survivors.