A tragic incident of gender-based violence has once again struck Havana. On Sunday, a woman known as "Kenia," a mother of a seven-year-old girl and resident of the Luyanó neighborhood in the Diez de Octubre municipality, was allegedly killed by her partner, who is said to have thrown her from the rooftop of her home on Rodríguez Street.
This crime, confirmed by the independent news outlet 14ymedio through local testimonies, marks the 22nd reported femicide in Cuba in 2025, according to preliminary counts by independent observatories. Kenia lived in extremely precarious conditions, described by neighbors as a petite woman, "weighing not even 100 pounds," who subsisted by selling or begging.
"She was very poor, didn't even have clothes. She survived by selling and begging," stated a resident to the media source. Another neighbor depicted her as a familiar figure on the neighborhood streets, going door to door seeking assistance. Independent press accounts highlight a prolonged pattern of violence.
"The man is an alcoholic and frequently beat her. They say she endured years of abuse until today, when he killed her," a neighbor shared. The crime unfolded following another argument. The altercation reportedly began on Saturday night and continued into the next morning, with him "continuing to hit and threaten her," explained a witness.
According to reports, Kenia desperately fled to the rooftop of her house to hide. However, the assailant pursued her and, in a brutal act, threw her off the edge. Despite the perpetrator's attempt to take Kenia to the hospital after the incident, it was too late. Police detained him shortly thereafter, although the community fears he might be released.
These concerns are echoed by several witnesses who pointed to the perpetrator's violent history and the usual institutional silence surrounding these cases. So far, independent platforms documenting gender violence in Cuba, such as YoSíTeCreo en Cuba and the Alas Tensas Gender Observatory, have not officially confirmed the femicide, although the case is widely circulating on social media and digital outlets.
The lack of official acknowledgment and the absence of effective public policies to protect women facing violence remain persistent issues.
Understanding Femicide in Cuba: Key Questions Answered
What is the current state of gender violence in Cuba?
Gender violence remains a significant issue in Cuba, with independent observatories reporting several femicides annually. The lack of official recognition and effective protective measures exacerbates the problem.
How are independent organizations contributing to this issue?
Organizations like YoSíTeCreo en Cuba and the Alas Tensas Gender Observatory play a crucial role in documenting and raising awareness about gender-based violence, filling the gap left by official silence.
Why is there fear of the perpetrator's release?
The community fears the perpetrator's release due to his past violent behavior and the tendency for institutional silence and inaction in similar cases.