They are filing a complaint of gender violence following criticisms of police inaction in Havana

Cuban authorities have begun processing a report of gender-based violence in Havana, following the initial refusal by the Police to accept the complaint regarding an incident that occurred in a public place. Citizen pressure and the public exposure of the case by journalist Claudia Rafaela Ortiz Alba prompted a shift in the institutional stance.

"The aggressor is already in custody. His partner acknowledges that there was violence, but she will not file a complaint against him," Ortiz Alba wrote in a recent Facebook post. "This is consistent with the characteristics of this type of violence, which is a consequence of a dependent emotional bond with the aggressor," he added, referring to the cyclical pattern that often occurs in cases of gender-based violence.

The incident occurred in her neighborhood, where the journalist witnessed a man physically assaulting his partner. A friend of hers, Alejandro, intervened to defend the young woman and was subsequently threatened by the attacker with a knife. Claudia and Alejandro then attempted to file a report at the Zanja Police Station, but, as she recounted in an initial post on Monday, the officers told them that only the victim could file a complaint.

Following the public scandal triggered by this refusal, the authorities have begun processing the complaint. “My friend, Alejandro, who intervened on behalf of the young woman, was able to file a complaint for threats, with the aggravating factors of using a knife and public disorder, which are offenses in their own right,” the journalist explained.

She also managed to present her testimony. “I was interviewed to report the injuries against the girl, committed by her partner, with the aggravating factor of gender violence. Yes, it was possible to do so,” she stated, emphasizing that it is legal and appropriate for third parties to report such incidents.

Ortiz Alba emphasized that “anyone who witnesses or is aware of a crime not only can, but must report it to the Police,” and reminded that “the Penal and Procedural Codes specifically state that the presence of the victim or the injured parties is not necessary to file a report.”

In her post, the journalist also acknowledged the support received from the community: "Thanks a thousand to each person who supported, wrote, brought visibility, and advised. To those who attended to us and listened. A public complaint allows for many things, but among the most important are prevention and assistance."

The case has reignited the debate over the lack of institutional responses to gender-based violence in Cuba, where there is no comprehensive law protecting victims. In 2025 alone, at least 31 femicides have been confirmed by independent platforms, although the actual number could be higher due to underreporting and official opacity.

In his initial post, Ortiz Alba was emphatic in denouncing the context of impunity: “There are no shelters, there is no structured support system, and 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-based violence now!”

Frequently Asked Questions about Gender Violence and Police Inaction in Cuba