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The Cuban journalist Claudia Rafaela Ortíz Alba publicly denounced a serious case of institutional negligence at the Estación de Policía de Zanja in Havana, after witnessing an assault against a woman and the subsequent refusal of the officers to accept the corresponding report.
Ortíz Alba, director of the state magazine Alma Mater and a recognized figure within the official Cuban publishing system, recounted on her Facebook profile that at the police station, she was prevented from reporting a case of domestic violence that occurred in her neighborhood.
"At the Zanja Police Station, in clear violation of the Penal Code, I was not allowed to file a report for assault and gender violence against a man who kicked his partner in the stomach several times on the floor, right in my block, in front of all the neighbors. My friend who tried to defend her is injured," wrote the journalist.
According to their account, the attacker returned minutes after the initial assault: “He came back minutes later with a knife to threaten the person who intervened, and threatened to stand guard in front of our house. He threw glass bottles at the balcony and the facade.”
In light of this situation, Ortíz Alba went to the station to file a complaint, but the officer on duty and the unit captain told him that only the victim could make the report. "They told me that the victim (his partner) is the one who must report the assault. And I cannot. That's not how it works," he emphasized.
In his post, he expressed his outrage at the lack of responses from the Cuban institutional system to these events: “There are no shelters, there is no structured support system, there is no urgent political will to help the thousands of women at risk of dying at the hands of their partners. Comprehensive law against gender violence now!”
He also criticized the lack of training among authorities: “Empathy, damn it, training for the professionals dealing with gender violence. Do we have to fight for the right to life and security?” And he concluded: “They kill us, they kill them.”
An alarming context
The report comes at a time of increasing concern about gender violence in Cuba. As of 2025, independent platforms such as Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba and the Observatorio de Género Alas Tensas have confirmed 31 femicides, although they caution that this figure could be higher due to underreporting and the lack of transparent official data.
The most recent reported case involves the murder of Mercedes “La Mora” Cantero Rodríguez, 64 years old, which occurred on August 29 in Artemisa, allegedly at the hands of her partner. This incident was confirmed on September 15 by feminist organizations, which raised alarms about the rising number of femicides among older women, a group with limited access to support channels.
Additionally, Havana led in 2024 with the most sexual offense trials in Cuba, with 51 registered cases, according to data from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI). The most affected group was young women aged 20 to 24, with the majority of cases occurring in urban areas.
Extreme violence has also left recent victims in various provinces. Three confirmed femicides in Matanzas, Holguín, and Granma displayed a pattern of brutality that has shaken communities. In another recent incident, a nurse was stabbed by her ex-partner inside a hospital in Matanzas, in the presence of pregnant patients.
Without comprehensive law or effective protection
Despite the fact that Article 85 of the Cuban Constitution penalizes domestic violence, Cuba remains the only country in the Western Hemisphere without a comprehensive law against gender-based violence. It also does not officially recognize the term "femicide," nor is it defined in its criminal legislation, which limits the institutional and judicial response to these cases.
Feminist organizations have called for urgent reforms, the creation of shelters, training for police and judicial staff, and the alignment of Cuban legislation with international human rights standards.
Meanwhile, reports like that of Claudia Rafaela Ortíz Alba highlight a daily reality: the vulnerability of many Cuban women in the face of violence that, without a comprehensive response from the State, continues to claim lives with impunity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Police Negligence and Gender Violence in Cuba
What complaint did Claudia Rafaela Ortíz Alba make about police negligence in Havana?
Claudia Rafaela Ortíz Alba reported that the police refused to process a complaint about gender violence that she witnessed in her neighborhood, claiming that only the victim could file it. This incident occurred at the Zanja Police Station, and Ortíz Alba criticized the lack of empathy and training among the authorities regarding these cases.
What is the current situation of gender-based violence in Cuba?
Gender-based violence in Cuba is a serious and growing problem. As of 2025, 31 femicides have been confirmed, although it is suspected that the actual number could be higher due to underreporting and the lack of transparent official data. Cuba is the only country in the Western Hemisphere without a comprehensive law against gender-based violence.
Why is it difficult to report and prosecute cases of gender violence in Cuba?
The difficulty in reporting and processing cases of gender violence in Cuba is due to the lack of official recognition of the term “femicide” and the absence of a comprehensive law that addresses the issue. Furthermore, authorities often dismiss complaints or handle them inadequately, as evidenced by recent cases of police negligence.
How has the Cuban government responded to criticism regarding its lack of action against gender-based violence?
The Cuban government has been criticized for its lack of transparency and effective action regarding gender-based violence. Recently, the regime confirmed that it will not publish statistics on femicides, claiming that an administrative record is being developed, but it will be non-public, which has drawn criticism for institutional opacity.
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