A university student, known on social media as Nayla Fraga, reported being sexually assaulted in broad daylight near the Quinta de los Molinos in Havana's Plaza municipality. Through her Instagram account, she detailed that the incident occurred around noon when a man approached her and deliberately touched her breast. This was not a mere accident or incidental contact, but a conscious and aggressive act.
"It wasn't an accident, it wasn't a collision. The guy deliberately reached out and grabbed my breast," she affirmed. Nayla reacted swiftly and bravely confronted the assailant, striking him to make him back off. She even managed to capture a photo of him with her phone.
In her account, she described feeling a deep-seated fear during the encounter, convinced that the attacker could have inflicted deadly harm if he wanted to. "I was terrified, knowing that if he chose to, he could have easily beaten me to death right there, leaving the university at noon. Simply because I'm a woman, and some men feel entitled to my body," she explained.
Public Call for Action
This fear, along with the broader vulnerability experienced by Cuban women in public spaces, underpins Nayla's denunciation. Following the incident, she decided to go public with the assault, sharing the assailant's photos to identify him and "name him," hoping her community would rally to pursue legal action.
Nayla plans to file a formal complaint once she locates the individual, explaining her decision to expose the case online stems from a lack of institutional response. "In this country, women are not heard, and there are no laws to protect or prevent these situations," she criticized. "Still, I will pursue legal avenues once I find him. I'm sharing his face to name him or gather any information available. I need his community to know he is a sexual predator," she emphasized.
Highlighting Broader Issues
This case highlights a recurring theme of impunity and neglect that many women in Cuba face when dealing with public assaults. Nayla's public statement not only addresses her own encounter but also sheds light on a broader issue: the lack of effective mechanisms to protect women and the perception that official responses are often inadequate or nonexistent.
In Cuba, the government does not hold accountable the institutions responsible for ensuring safety and basic rights. When victims have to resort to social media for identification and justice, it reflects a failure of the public apparatus meant to prevent and respond to these aggressions.
Demand for Institutional Change
In the void of a strong institutional response, visibility becomes a key tool for victims to demand justice. Organizations and activists have long called for clear protocols, preventive measures, and specialized police units that respond to sexual violence with sensitivity and effectiveness.
Nayla's post underscores the urgent need for concrete policies, from public education and prevention campaigns to police procedures that prioritize victims without re-victimizing them. Her request is straightforward: any information leading to the man who assaulted her should be shared to ensure appropriate actions can be taken.
FAQ on Addressing Sexual Assault in Cuba
What actions can Nayla take to pursue justice?
Nayla can file a police report to formally document the assault. Publicly sharing information about the assailant may also help in identifying him and applying legal pressure.
How does social media play a role in seeking justice for victims?
Social media serves as a platform for victims to share their experiences, rally public support, and put pressure on authorities to take action, especially when institutional responses are lacking.
What are the challenges faced by women in Cuba regarding public safety?
Women in Cuba often face a lack of protection and response from authorities, insufficient legal frameworks, and a culture of impunity that discourages victims from reporting assaults.