A young Cuban woman named Daine reported in a video on Instagram an assault she experienced on G Street, where a man threw two stones at her to get her attention while masturbating.
The aggression took place specifically in the unique wooded area next to the monument to José Miguel Gómez and in the vicinity of the Calixto García hospital.
"If you are a woman, at any time and anywhere, you are in danger. I made this video because I truly don't want anyone to go through what I did", expressed Daine in her post.
At the moment she recorded the video, the young woman was on the verge of tears due to the impact of what had happened, and she showed how she had the hand where she was hit by the first stone thrown by the individual.
Although he did not suffer serious injuries, Daine stated that the situation is unacceptable, emphasizing that these incidents should not occur and urged caution when traveling through that area.
In the comments section of their post, dozens of internet users—mostly women—confirmed that similar complaints have been common in that place for many years.
"A few days ago, I also passed by there on my way to the hospital and saw that man"; "They have been there for years, varying, I imagine. I studied at the University of Havana from 2013 to 2018 and one always had to be careful when passing by there," several internet users pointed out. "It's been a problem for years and they don't care to find a solution," they noted.
Numerous comments, in addition to expressing solidarity with the victim, highlighted the lack of security and the constant danger that women face on the streets of Cuba.
"Unfortunately, harassment against women is completely normalized in Cuba; one cannot even complain because nothing is done about it." "There is no law that protects women in Cuba from this phenomenon; this behavior is fully normalized here," pointed out two other women.
Another person reported that when the presence of these harassers has been reported to the police, the response has been ineffective: "On one occasion, some friends and I told a police officer, and his response was to just ignore them."
"What needs to be done is to identify him so that he can be arrested; we need to catch him in the act and wait in the place until he shows up," suggested other internet users.
For decades, acts of exhibitionism like the one mentioned have been frequent throughout the country in parks, bus stops, and less-traveled areas, where offenders take advantage of the lack of surveillance to commit similar actions.
However, in this particular case, the aggressiveness stands out; the violent component of throwing stones at the victim to gain attention introduces an element of danger.
For many years, despite public outrage and the fear generated by these incidents, many victims choose not to report formally due to a lack of trust in the authorities and the minimal follow-up these cases usually receive.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gender Violence and Street Safety in Cuba
What happened to Daine on G Street in Havana?
Daine, a young Cuban woman, was the victim of a sexual attack on G Street in Havana, where a man threw stones at her while he was masturbating. Fortunately, she did not suffer serious injuries, but the situation highlights the insecurity faced by women on the streets of Cuba.
How has the community responded to the harassment on G Street?
The community, especially women, has shown great solidarity with Daine, confirming that street harassment on G Street is a persistent problem that has lasted for years. Comments on social media highlight the lack of safety and the normalization of sexual harassment in Cuba.
What problems does the Cuban police face in addressing cases of gender-based violence?
The Cuban police are often criticized for their ineffectiveness in addressing cases of gender-based violence. Victims often feel unprotected and frequently choose not to report due to a lack of trust in the system and the limited follow-up that cases receive.
Are there laws to protect women from gender-based violence in Cuba?
In Cuba, there is no specific legislation that classifies feminicide as a crime, nor effective laws that protect women against gender-based violence. This legal void contributes to the normalization of harassment and sexual violence in the country.
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