The Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) has acknowledged that nearly 10,000 families and over 16,000 women and girls are experiencing violence in the country. In a statement to the official newspaper Granma, Teresa Amarelle Boué, the general secretary of the FMC, made this assertion while identifying 9,579 families in this situation and mentioned efforts to strengthen mechanisms for attention and case detection.
According to Boué, they are working with the Attorney General's Office to implement an "interoperable administrative registry" that will allow for real-time tracking, monitoring, and information on gender-based violence. A week ago, in an interview with Dania Rodríguez and Omaida Hernández, who are responsible for the organization's international relations, both admitted that there is an increase in gender violence in Cuba and a lack of awareness on the issue. "This year, and especially since the pandemic, there has been a rise in gender violence and femicides," they told RojoyNegro Cgt, a spokesperson for the Spanish General Confederation of Labor (CGT).
"The first measure that can be taken against abusers is imprisonment for up to 30 years and even life sentences for repeat offenders," they emphasized. In early August, the regime reported that 110 women were murdered by their partners or ex-partners in 2023, according to data from the Cuban Observatory on Gender Equality. This figure corresponds to cases prosecuted in the past year and excludes victims under 15 years old, while according to the EFE agency, the rate of femicides in Cuba is the sixth-highest in Latin America and the Caribbean, based on the 2022 records of the CEPAL on gender-based murders.
It's worth noting that although the Integral Strategy for Prevention and Attention to Gender Violence has been approved, there is still no comprehensive prevention law in Cuba. Despite the increase in violence cases, the FMC continues to focus on prevention and the empowerment of women under the slogan "Zero Tolerance," as reminded by the digital site Cubanet.
Independent media confirmed last Saturday the discovery of the body of 20-year-old Lianet Núñez Pérez, a resident of the Jesús María neighborhood in Old Havana, who had been reported missing since Friday. Lianet, last seen on the night of Thursday, August 22, was found dead with signs of strangulation, an act allegedly committed by her boyfriend, reported independent journalist Irma Broek on Facebook.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Cuba
This section answers some of the most pressing questions regarding gender-based violence in Cuba, based on the recent admissions by the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC).
What are the current statistics on gender-based violence in Cuba?
According to the FMC, nearly 10,000 families and over 16,000 women and girls in Cuba are currently experiencing violence. Additionally, the regime reported that 110 women were murdered by their partners or ex-partners in 2023.
What measures are being taken to address gender violence in Cuba?
The FMC is working with the Attorney General's Office to implement an interoperable administrative registry for real-time tracking of gender-based violence. Additionally, abusers can face imprisonment for up to 30 years or even life sentences if they are repeat offenders.
Is there a comprehensive law for the prevention of gender violence in Cuba?
No, despite the approval of the Integral Strategy for Prevention and Attention to Gender Violence, there is still no comprehensive prevention law in Cuba.