The Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) has acknowledged an increase in gender-based killings—though it avoids using the term "feminicides," opting instead for "femicides"—since the onset of the pandemic.
In an interview with Dania Rodríguez and Omaida Hernández, who are in charge of international relations for the organization, both admitted that there has been a rise in gender violence in Cuba and a lack of awareness about the issue. "This year, and especially since the pandemic, there has been an increase in gender violence and femicides," they told RojoyNegro Cgt, spokeswoman for the Spanish Confederation General of Labor (CGT).
With great caution, the officials noted that violence incidents can be reported at police stations, but emphasized the need for training professionals who work there and increasing the number of women available to assist victims. "The problem is that only 3% of women victims report their cases," they asserted.
Without addressing the economic and social crisis that plagues the country, the interviewees mentioned that the FMC is "studying the causes" of the rise in women's murders and that the most important task at the moment is to empower women. "The first measure that can be taken against abusers is to deprive them of liberty for up to 30 years and even life imprisonment if they are repeat offenders," they highlighted.
The FMC, which defends the interests of the regime, tried to distance itself from the responsibility for the increase in crimes against women by stating that Cuba uses the term femicide, not feminicide. The latter implies that institutions are complicit through institutional violence, "and we affirm that Cuban institutions are not," they said.
Understanding Gender-Based Violence in Cuba
In light of the recent admissions by the FMC, here are some frequently asked questions to provide further insights into the issue of gender-based violence in Cuba.
What is the difference between femicide and feminicide?
Femicide refers to the killing of women because they are women, while feminicide implies that state institutions are complicit in these killings through institutional violence or negligence.
How has the pandemic impacted gender-based violence in Cuba?
The pandemic has exacerbated existing issues, leading to a reported increase in gender-based violence and femicides, as admitted by the FMC.
What measures are in place to protect victims of gender violence in Cuba?
Victims can report incidents at police stations, but the FMC emphasizes the need for better training for police personnel and increasing the number of women to assist victims. Legal measures include imprisonment for up to 30 years or life for repeat offenders.