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During 2024, 76 women were victims of femicide in Cuba, at the hands of their partners, ex-partners, or others, according to a recent official report released by the island's regime regarding extreme gender violence against women.
The Cuba Observatory on Gender Equality (OCIG), an entity affiliated with the Cuban government, made public the figure referring to the number of women aged 15 and older who have been "victims of intentional homicide (murder)" for gender-related reasons, without mentioning the term femicide at any point.
The OCIG indicated that this total corresponds to a rate of 1.79 per 100,000 women and pertains only to the cases adjudicated in legal proceedings during the year 2024.
The figure is much higher than the underreporting recorded by the independent feminist platforms Gender Observatory of Alas Tensas and Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba, which documented 56 femicides last year, according to the annual report published by OGAT.
According to the OCIG, the murders of women by their partners or ex-partners reached 55 in 2024, a number higher than the 50 in 2023. Meanwhile, femicide committed by individuals other than the partner or ex-partner of the victims doubled compared to the previous year: 21 versus 10.
The report from the government agency acknowledges that as a result of these violent crimes, 70 minors were left without maternal care. Furthermore, 73.7% of these incidents occurred in the victims' own homes.
By province, the highest number of femicides was recorded in Havana, with 12 cases and a rate of 1.49; Santiago de Cuba, where nine cases were reported for a rate of 2.20; and Matanzas, with eight cases and a high rate of 2.96.
Next are Cienfuegos and Camagüey, where seven femicides occurred respectively; however, the central province recorded the highest rate in the country: 4.7 per 100,000 women.
The highest number of victims (44) were women aged 20 to 44 years, followed by 17 in the 45 to 59 age group.
According to the statistics, more cases were recorded in urban areas (44) than in rural ones (32), but the rate in the rural sector (3.27) is higher than that in the urban sector (1.35).
Official data indicates a higher number of femicides among white women; however, those among Black and mixed-race women (mulattas, according to the report) increased by 5 and 10 cases, respectively, compared to 2023.
Two of the victims had some type of disability, and 69.7% were unemployed.
On the other hand, the OCIG also revealed that, during 2024, 230 cases of sexual offenses were tried in Cuban courts, which amounts to a rate of 5.42 per 100,000 women. Of that total, 120 cases were related to sexual assault and 110 involved other types of sexual violence.
In Cuba, femicide is not classified as a crime in the Penal Code that has been in effect since May 2022. The Cuban regime refuses to acknowledge the term but has admitted to the rise in gender-based violence.
The official Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) confirmed in August of last year that more than 16,000 women and girls, from 9,579 families, are living in situations of violence in the country.
The independent platforms Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba and Alas Tensas are raising awareness about a underreporting of gender-based violence, while also advocating for appropriate legislation and the creation of public policies that protect women and prevent violence.
According to their calculations, between 2019 and 2024, 267 women, girls, and boys were murdered in the country for gender-related reasons.
“Behind each case, there is a shattered life, an affected family, and a society marked by impunity,” warned OGAT recently. “Verifying and bringing attention to femicides not only honors the memory of those who are no longer here. It is also a vital tool to demand justice, effective public policies, and real protection for women and girls in Cuba.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Femicide and Gender Violence in Cuba
How many femicides were officially recorded in Cuba during the year 2024?
In 2024, there were officially 76 femicides recorded in Cuba, according to the report from the Cuba Gender Equality Observatory (OCIG), although figures from independent platforms suggest underreporting.
Why is the term "femicide" not recognized in the Cuban Penal Code?
In Cuba, the term "femicide" is not classified as a crime in the Penal Code effective since May 2022. The Cuban government refuses to recognize this term, despite the increase in gender-based violence in the country.
What are the provinces with the highest number of femicides in Cuba according to the 2024 report?
Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Matanzas recorded the highest numbers of femicides in 2024, with Havana reporting 12 cases, Santiago de Cuba nine, and Matanzas eight.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to combat gender-based violence?
The Cuban government announced the implementation of a hotline in 40 municipalities to assist victims of gender-based violence and to generate statistics, although it still does not officially recognize the term femicide.
What role do independent platforms play in raising awareness of femicides in Cuba?
Independent platforms like Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba and Alas Tensas play a crucial role in documenting and raising awareness of femicides, providing information that the government does not make public and advocating for effective policies.
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