分类： society

A newly released UNICEF report has cast a stark light on a deepening crisis of gender-based violence in the Dominican Republic. The findings, published this Thursday, document 89 femicides in the nation so far in 2024, marking a significant and alarming surge from the 69 cases recorded throughout the entirety of 2023. This figure translates to a rate of 1.5 murders per 100,000 women.

The study delves beyond the extreme outcome of femicide to outline a pervasive culture of violence that jeopardizes the safety of women and girls from a young age. It reveals that a staggering 31.5% of Dominican women aged 20–24 were married or entered into a union before their 18th birthday, with 9.4% doing so before the age of 15, placing them at heightened vulnerability.

Citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the report underscores the prevalence of intimate partner violence. It states that 28.5% of women between 15 and 49 years old have endured physical or sexual violence from a partner at some point in their lives, with 22.8% experiencing it within the twelve months preceding the study.

Anyoli Sanabria, UNICEF’s interim representative in the Dominican Republic, issued a powerful statement connecting these tragedies to their impact on the next generation. She emphasized that each femicide ‘devastates children’s lives’ and constitutes a fundamental violation of their right to a secure and nurturing upbringing.
In response, UNICEF is collaborating with national authorities and community groups to fortify systems for prevention, early detection, and victim support. These initiatives include comprehensive training programs for families and educators, the expansion of care services for survivors, and advocacy for crucial legal reforms designed to better protect children and adolescents.

Sanabria also issued a direct appeal to the government, urging the elimination of a remaining exception in the Penal Code that permits physical punishment within homes. She stressed that such normative violence often serves as a precursor to more severe acts, including femicide, and its abolition is a critical step toward breaking the cycle of abuse.

SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant address, Dominican President Luis Abinader has pledged his administration’s full backing for a comprehensive national strategy to eradicate gender-based and domestic violence. The initiative, known as the ‘Let Her Go’ Comprehensive Reform and the National Pact for Life, has garnered unprecedented cross-party support, uniting senators and representatives from across the political spectrum to establish a coordinated framework for the protection, prevention, and prediction of femicides and filicides.

President Abinader detailed the substantial progress already achieved, citing a dramatic expansion of protective infrastructure. Under his leadership, the number of shelters for victims has increased sixfold, from a mere three to eighteen operational facilities. Furthermore, a specialized investigative unit dedicated to these crimes has been established within the National Police. The most striking statistic presented was a drastic reduction in femicides, which have plummeted from 233 in 2011 to 51 recorded between January and November of this year. However, the President solemnly declared that ‘one death is one too many,’ vowing to meticulously review the proposed legislative reforms and commit all necessary financial and institutional resources for their execution.

The ambitious ‘Let Her Go’ reform proposal entails a substantial investment of RD$5 billion, earmarked exclusively for bolstering prevention programs and protection services. A core objective is to forge a more robust legal architecture to ensure policy continuity remains unaffected by future changes in government. Representative Kinsberly Taveras, a key proponent, highlighted the overwhelming legislative consensus, with the initiative securing endorsement from 95% of lawmakers. She also underscored the pivotal role of female leadership in driving this change, noting the historic presence of 71 women in the Chamber of Deputies and 4 in the Senate, whose collective influence was instrumental in advancing the pact.

SANTO DOMINGO – Dominican regulatory authorities have granted official permission for the Dulce Hogar retail establishment in the National District to resume operations, following a comprehensive verification of its adherence to national construction and safety standards. The Ministry of Housing and Buildings (MIVED) confirmed the store’s full compliance with the technical and regulatory mandates that had previously led to its temporary closure in early September.

The shutdown was initially enforced under the provisions of Law 687-82, in conjunction with Technical Regulations R-004 and R-021. These legal frameworks require all commercial entities to obtain valid construction licenses and secure final inspection certifications prior to commencing occupancy or business activities.

Edgar Pellerano, who heads the Directorate of Private Works Supervision, announced that a team of government inspectors conducted a meticulous on-site assessment. Their review concluded that Dulce Hogar had successfully addressed all previously identified issues, leading to the issuance of an official reopening certificate. Pellerano echoed a recent statement by Minister Carlos Bonilla, emphasizing that the ministry’s policy remains unequivocal: only businesses that complete the formal conciliation process and submit all requisite documentation will be approved to reopen.

In its effort to achieve regularization, the management of Dulce Hogar executed a series of significant structural enhancements designed to guarantee public safety. These corrective measures included the installation of stiffeners on critical main beams, the reinforcement of beam-column junctions using specialized metal plates, a full certification process for all field welds, and the systematic replacement and adjustment of bolts to meet precise design specifications.

MIVED also provided a status update on other establishments affected by the September enforcement actions. From the original eleven businesses closed, documentation from five additional entities has been received and is currently under review pending final approval. The ministry reiterated its dedication to assisting the remaining businesses through the compliance process, while maintaining its primary commitment to ensuring that all commercial operations provide a safe environment for employees and the public.