In Dominican Republic 89 victims of feminicide in 2024, a rate of 1.5% per 100,000 women, a higher figure than the previous year when 69 women were murdered by their partner or ex-partner, according to a report released this Thursday by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
In his studio, UNICEF alert that in Saint Dominic 31.5% of Dominican women between 20 and 24 years old were married or in a union before the age of 18, and 9.4% before the age of 15 (2019).
What is the current situation of feminicide in Dominican Republic?
The physical violence and/or sexual on the part of the intimate partner against women aged 15 to 49 years recorded a prevalence of 28.5% throughout life and 22.8% in the last 12 months, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) corresponding to 2025 cited in the report.
“Each feminicide forever disrupts the lives of their sons and daughters and violates their right to grow up in safe, protective and violence-free family environments,” warned the interim representative of UNICEF in Dominican Republic, Anyoli Sanabria.
The diplomat said that her organization works with the dominican authorities and community organizations to strengthen systems for prevention, detection and response to violence.
The organization promotes training to families, teachers and technical staff; supports the creation of comprehensive routes of attention; and promotes legal reforms that guarantee safe environments for all children and adolescents, said Sanabria.
What actions does it promote? UNICEF to combat gender violence?
“Dominican Republic can still reaffirm its commitment to the elimination of domestic violence by reviewing the exception that remains in the Penal Code and that allows physical punishment as a form of discipline at home,” considered the representative of UNICEF in Saint Dominic.
- In that order, he added that the physical violence in the family It is usually the first step towards femicides that take so many lives in Dominican society.
“With willpower and action, it is still possible to transform this reality and guarantee a effective protection for the boys, girls, adolescents and women of the country,” said Sanabria.
He urged the Dominican government to coordinate and expand inter-institutional strategies to address violence simultaneously, including supporting organizations led by women and girls.
Additionally, expand services focused on survivors, guaranteeing access to protection against violence, personal safety, medical attention specialized and family support.
