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The feminist platforms Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba (YSTCC) and the Gender Observatory of Alas Tensas (OGAT) confirmed this Tuesday a total of 24 femicides in the country between January and August 12, 2025, after verifying two new cases that occurred in the past week.
On August 5, Milagros Batista Estévez, 56 years old, was murdered by her ex-partner in her home in the Alex Urquiola neighborhood of Holguín, despite the fact that the victim had previously reported the violence to the police, as noted in a publication on Facebook.
A day earlier, on August 4, Mailenis Blanco Amor, 47 years old, was attacked in her home in Puerta de Golpe, Pinar del Río, by three men impersonating police officers.
Although the attackers acted within the context of a robbery, organizations point out that there was a clear gender bias, as they waited for the woman to be alone and used excessive violence against her.
During the recent temporary closure of YSTCC for self-care, the murders of Melisa Rivero Bacallao (24 years old) on July 8 in Limonar, Matanzas; Leysi Liettis Cascaret Casero (22 years old); and Yailín Carrasco Pérez (29 years old) on July 22 in Cienfuegos were reported.
Also those of Yailín Requejo Miranda (41 years old), on July 13 in Holguín and Kenia Rodríguez Mora (49 years old), on July 28 in Lawton, Havana.
All of these crimes were documented through media outlets, citizen reports, and activists, and later confirmed by community sources.
Organizations have reported that they continue to investigate new reports in Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, Villa Clara, and Camagüey.
They also urged citizens to report any cases of extreme gender violence, emphasizing that "reporting these crimes is not a crime."
In their statement, YSTCC and OGAT expressed their regret that gender-based violence continues to rise and noted that the Cuban state lacks effective mechanisms to prevent and stop these incidents, while general crime in the country is increasing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Femicide in Cuba
How many femicides have been confirmed in Cuba in 2025?
Until August 12, 2025, 24 femicides have been confirmed in Cuba, according to the feminist platforms Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba (YSTCC) and the Gender Observatory of Alas Tensas (OGAT). These figures are the result of an underreporting conducted by these independent organizations, as the Cuban regime does not officially recognize the term "femicide."
What mechanisms does the Cuban state have to prevent femicides?
The Cuban state lacks effective mechanisms to prevent and stop feminicides. Feminist platforms have criticized the absence of adequate public policies and a legal framework that defines feminicide as a crime in the Penal Code. Despite the urgent calls from feminist organizations, the regime continues to fail to implement structural measures to address this serious issue.
What is the reaction of Cuban civil society to femicides?
The Cuban civil society, through organizations like YSTCC and OGAT, has taken on a crucial role in raising awareness and denouncing feminicides. These platforms urge citizens to report any cases of extreme gender-based violence, emphasizing that "reporting these crimes is not a crime." However, they face obstacles such as lack of access to support networks and public services, particularly in rural areas.
How does misogynistic violence affect families in Cuba?
Gender-based violence leaves many minors in a situation of maternal orphanhood, without protection or care from the State. Feminist organizations have raised concerns about the lack of specific care and support programs for these children, emphasizing the need for public policies that address this issue comprehensively.
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