The murder of a nurse in the Antonio Guiteras neighborhood in eastern Havana on Monday has deeply shaken the community, underscoring yet another tragic incident of violence against women in Cuba. Sources close to the victim have identified the incident as a potential case of femicide.
Odalys Bataille, aged 53 and a mother of two, was killed in the morning at her home on 15th Street in the Havana del Este municipality. Activist Yamilka Lafita, known on social media as Lara Crofs, reported the news based on accounts from neighbors.
"Odalys was leaving her house early when the assailant approached and stabbed her multiple times," Lafita said. The attack occurred in front of her husband and other family members. According to Facebook posts, she was with her sister, brother-in-law, and partner at the time of the tragic incident.
The alleged attacker, whose last name is Plana and is around 60 years old, is reportedly serving a sentence for the murders of his previous wife and her partner. He was on temporary leave from prison and fled after the crime, although some reports suggest he has since surrendered to the authorities.
Bataille, a well-respected nurse in her community, leaves behind two daughters aged 23 and 24. The relationship between the killer and his victim remains unclear, but many agree that the crime should be classified as femicide due to the extreme violence and the fact that it marks the perpetrator's second crime of this nature.
The Cuban regime does not officially recognize femicide, as it is not specified in the current Penal Code. However, authorities have acknowledged the rising tide of gender-based violence against women and the increasing number of such crimes in recent years.
Independent feminist platforms like Alas Tensas and Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba have been documenting reported femicides on the island since 2019. So far this year, they have confirmed seven cases and are investigating three additional alerts in Artemisa, Matanzas, and Santiago de Cuba.
As of the publication of this article, the murder of the Cuban nurse reported on Monday had not yet been verified by independent platforms.
Understanding Femicide and Violence Against Women in Cuba
What is femicide and why is it significant in Cuba?
Femicide refers to the intentional killing of women because of their gender. In Cuba, it is significant because the government does not officially recognize it as a distinct crime, despite rising cases of gender-based violence.
How are feminist platforms addressing the issue of femicide in Cuba?
Independent feminist platforms like Alas Tensas and Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba are documenting and reporting on femicides to raise awareness and push for legal recognition and action against gender-based violence.
What challenges do victims of gender-based violence face in Cuba?
Victims in Cuba face significant challenges, including lack of legal recognition for femicide, limited support services, and a cultural environment that often stigmatizes victims rather than perpetrators.