Another tragic incident of gender-based violence in Cuba has resulted in the death of a woman who was a patient at the Vladimir Ilich Lenin University Hospital in Holguín. The victim, identified as Elaine Laguna Figueredo, 50, succumbed to injuries inflicted by her partner while she was hospitalized, reported the Cuban Women’s Network.
Laguna Figueredo was undergoing clinical studies in the surgery ward, 2nd B, when the attack occurred. According to anonymous sources, the incident took place on June 4. Witnesses recounted that her partner, allegedly intoxicated, visited her the previous night and assaulted her in the bathroom. Contrarily, another patient claimed the attack happened the morning of June 4.
Both a hospital worker and another patient provided disturbing details. They recounted how the assailant dragged Laguna Figueredo into the shower, fully clothed, ignoring her medical condition, including a cannula and IV drip. Despite the proximity to the nurses' and doctors' station, only the man's voice was heard, urging her to get up, while the woman's voice was notably absent. After about 15 minutes, the aggressor exited the bathroom and returned with another intoxicated man.
Medical personnel were eventually alerted and found Laguna Figueredo unconscious on the bathroom floor. She was immediately taken to the operating room. However, she fell into a coma, required artificial ventilation, and was moved to the Intensive Care Unit, where she later died.
Authorities detained the assailant at the hospital, but have yet to confirm the incident publicly. This lack of response calls into question the security measures in place at state-run health institutions, where vulnerable patients are at risk of further abuse without intervention.
Sadly, this is not an isolated case. In February 2023, Arianny Chávez Puche, a phone operator at Martíres de Las Tunas Pediatric Hospital, was fatally stabbed by her ex-partner during her night shift. Earlier that month, 17-year-old Leidy Bacallao was murdered by her ex-partner in a police station in Camalote, Camagüey, as she sought refuge. Just four days ago, Alba Delia Sánchez Benítez, 58, was killed by her ex-partner while working as a security guard at Fermín Valdés Domínguez Student Residence in La Habana.
By June 18, feminist organizations and independent media had recorded 28 femicides in Cuba in 2024, with Laguna Figueredo's death marking the 29th. According to the Alas Tensas Gender Observatory, June remains one of the deadliest months for women in Cuba concerning femicide cases.
Feminist platforms continue to urge the Cuban government to implement preventive measures to stop the rising tide of gender-based violence and protect women across the nation.
Understanding the Impact of Gender-Based Violence in Cuba
This section addresses common questions and provides insights into the ongoing issue of gender-based violence in Cuba, based on the recent tragic events.
What happened to Elaine Laguna Figueredo at the Holguín hospital?
Elaine Laguna Figueredo was assaulted by her partner while hospitalized at Vladimir Ilich Lenin University Hospital in Holguín. She fell into a coma and later died due to her injuries.
How often do femicides occur in Cuba?
Femicides are tragically frequent in Cuba. As of June 2024, there have been 29 recorded cases of gender-based killings in the country.
What is the Cuban government doing to address gender-based violence?
Despite repeated calls from feminist organizations, the Cuban government's response to gender-based violence has been insufficient, and there is a pressing need for effective preventive measures.