In yet another suspected case of gender-based violence in Cuba, a woman living in Vertientes, Camagüey, lost her life following a vicious attack by her partner. This information was confirmed to CiberCuba by a relative of the victim. María de los Ángeles Boyce Pereira, a 56-year-old woman with intellectual disabilities, succumbed to fatal injuries from a beating and a stab wound to the chest inflicted by her husband early last week at their home in the Piñerúa neighborhood of the Vertientes municipality.
The perpetrator, whose identity remains undisclosed, was apprehended by law enforcement following the murder, according to the source. The incident is currently under police investigation.
This tragic event, which bears the characteristics of a femicide, adds to the five gender violence-related murders confirmed this year by independent gender observatories YoSíTeCreo en Cuba (YSTCC) and Alas Tensas (OGAT).
Previously documented cases of femicide by these organizations involved two elderly women. Julia Safón Álvarez, aged 61, was killed by her partner on January 7 in Artemisa. Another elderly victim, identified only as Bertha, was murdered by her grandson on February 11 in their shared home in San Miguel del Padrón, Havana.
This latter case, a familial femicide—which is relatively uncommon—highlights the plight of elderly women in Cuba who continue to take on caregiver roles even when they themselves are in need of care, as noted by the platforms.
In early February, another violent crime against a woman stirred unrest in Vertientes, though it has not been officially classified as a femicide. Cristina Guerra, aged 54 and a mother of two, was fatally shot multiple times by an unknown, allegedly masked assailant inside her home in the town of San Antonio, eyewitnesses reported.
While the incident was widely shared on social media, official details remain scarce a month later, and it is unclear whether the suspect has been apprehended.
Both OGAT and YSTCC announced at the end of February that they are investigating four possible alerts of femicide, one in Camagüey and the others in Artemisa, Matanzas, and Santiago de Cuba.
According to reports from these observatories, 55 femicides occurred in Cuba in 2024, a troubling figure, though lower than the 89 cases documented the previous year.
Understanding Femicide and Gender Violence in Cuba
What defines a femicide?
Femicide is defined as the intentional killing of a woman because of her gender. It is often rooted in gender inequality and discrimination.
How prevalent is gender-based violence in Cuba?
Gender-based violence remains a significant issue in Cuba, with independent observatories reporting numerous cases annually. Despite efforts to raise awareness, many incidents go underreported.
What actions are being taken to address these crimes?
Independent organizations like YSTCC and OGAT are working to document cases and raise awareness. However, more comprehensive legal and societal measures are needed to effectively combat gender violence in Cuba.