Human Rights Watch says Morocco has had a "tepid response" to domestic violence over the years, and the country's latest attempt at dealing with the issue is unlikely to score any new points.
A state TV tutorial on Channel 2M's Sabahiyat show last week featured a makeup artist showing how domestic abuse victims can cover up evidence of injuries with quality cosmetics and a skilled hand, the Telegraph reports.
More From Newser
-
Prince William issues statement on Harry's romance
-
Elian Gonzalez recalls 'father,' 'friend' Castro
-
Holocaust-themed skating number doesn't go over well
-
Growing list of nations tied to Trump's 'empire'
"After the beating, this part is still sensitive, so don't press," the host instructed during the lesson, which showed a woman with fake black-and-blues sitting in the makeover chair, per the Washington Post.
"We hope that these beauty tips help you carry on with your normal life." The program ended with suggestions for the most effective beauty products. A Change.org petition that's emerged in response to the tutorial proclaims: "Do not cover domestic violence with makeup, condemn the aggressor!" The petition, due to be sent to the country's High Authority of Audiovisual Communication, also calls for "severe sanctions" against the channel and show.
The channel removed the clip from its site and issued a statement Friday noting its "error in [judgment] in view of the sensitivity and the gravity of the subject of violence against women." Morocco's current stance on domestic violence is legally murky, with sparse guidelines on how law enforcement should deal with such cases.
HRW said earlier this year a draft for a new law that's been pending since 2013 "has good elements [but] … lacks a strong definition of domestic violence and does not criminalize marital rape." (Hairdressers in Illinois are helping combat domestic abuse.)
This article originally appeared on Newser: Outrage Brews Over Domestic Abuse Makeup Tips