According to a report from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), shared by Granma's CNC telecenter, Havana leads the Cuban provinces with the highest number of sexual offenses taken to court in 2024. The capital saw 51 legal proceedings related to sexual violence, followed closely by Las Tunas (22) and Granma (21), as per data from the Cuba Gender Equality Observatory.
Nationally, courts handled 230 cases of sexual violence, with 120 categorized as sexual assault and the remaining 110 falling under other types of violence. The age group most impacted consisted of young adults aged 20 to 24, accounting for 122 victims, while teenagers aged 15 to 17 reported 70 cases. Most incidents occurred in urban areas, highlighting a deep-rooted issue in more densely populated regions with vibrant nightlife.
Recurrent Vulnerabilities and Shocking Cases
In recent years, social media has brought to light shocking sexual abuses that have unsettled various communities. An incident in Santiago de Cuba's Veguita de Galo neighborhood this month exposed the inadequacies of prevention and prison control systems. A repeat sexual offender, out on a temporary prison release, assaulted a young woman in public during a power outage. The criminal, whose mother is a well-known newspaper vendor in the area, stalked and brutally attacked the victim. The woman managed to escape and seek shelter in a nearby home, where neighbors provided aid before police intervention.
The perpetrator's justification during arrest—that the victim "was not a minor"—sparked widespread outrage, leading the community to criticize the judicial system for allowing repeat offenders to roam freely on prison passes. This incident reignited the debate over the state's responsibility in reintegrating high-risk criminals and the dangers women and girls face amid increasing public insecurity, compounded by blackouts and lack of policing.
Earlier in January, another case in Santiago de Cuba's José Martí District saw a man arrested for allegedly raping a 21-year-old woman at machete-point. Reports indicate the suspect had been released from prison months prior and was wanted for a robbery at San Pedrito's Cultural House. These events underscore a persistent pattern in Cuba's sexual crimes: recidivism, inadequate oversight, and the breakdown of prison control mechanisms.
The Urgent Need for Comprehensive Gender Violence Legislation
ONEI's figures emerge amid calls from independent feminist organizations for a comprehensive Gender Violence Law in Cuba. Although Article 85 of the Constitution acknowledges domestic violence as destructive and punishable, Cuba remains the only country in the Western Hemisphere without specific legislation offering comprehensive protection for women against this scourge.
Groups like the Cuban Alliance for Inclusion and the Cuban Women's Network have launched campaigns such as #UnitedForOurRights, even presenting proposals to international bodies. Nevertheless, the Cuban regime resists moving towards such legislation. Feminist organizations demand alignment of local laws with international human rights standards, reforms to prioritize victim support in the justice system, creation of specialized police stations with female staff, and establishment of shelters for women facing violence.
Beyond the Statistics: A Crisis of Gender Violence
The situation is exacerbated by gender violence figures confirmed by independent observers in early 2025: 27 femicides, one male murder due to gender, three attempted femicides, and four cases under investigation. The combination of official statistics, citizen testimonies, and recent cases illustrates that sexual violence in Cuba is not just a criminal issue but also a reflection of institutional fragility, ineffective public policies, and the absence of a comprehensive legal framework.
As Havana tops the list with the most sexual crime trials, activists and citizens unite in a common demand: without urgent legal reforms, genuine prevention, and an efficient justice system, women and girls across the country will continue to face a growing threat.
Understanding the Sexual Crime Statistics in Cuba
What is the current situation of sexual crime trials in Havana?
As of 2024, Havana leads Cuban provinces with 51 sexual crime trials, reflecting a significant issue with sexual violence in urban areas.
Why is there a demand for a Gender Violence Law in Cuba?
Despite constitutional recognition of domestic violence as a punishable offense, Cuba lacks specific legislation to comprehensively protect women, prompting feminist organizations to call for a Gender Violence Law.
How do recent cases highlight the weaknesses in Cuba's justice system?
Recent cases, such as those in Santiago de Cuba, reveal issues like recidivism and inadequate oversight, highlighting the need for stronger legal frameworks and better prevention measures.