The Cuban government has confirmed that children involved in a child abuse incident, which gained attention through a video on social media, have been relocated to an orphanage for children without parental care.
According to the government's statement released on Tuesday, the children will stay together at this facility, where they will receive care from specialized personnel to mitigate the psychological impact of the incident.
This decision was made following the activation of the appropriate protocol and is part of a coordinated operation involving social policy groups, the Department of Education, the Prosecutor's Office, and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) in Holguín, along with the province of Ciego de Ávila, where the family originated.
The official report specifies that the mother, Elizabeth González Díaz, and the stepfather, Diosdado González Martínez, engaged in actions that amounted to child abuse. It is noted that the event depicted in the video was not recent.
The report also states that the occurrence of the acts and the habitual inappropriate behavior of the mother towards her children, under the guise of "correction," were previously unknown. This behavior led to an excessive and unwarranted attack on the girl, for which she will face legal consequences.
As the investigation progresses, both González Díaz and González Martínez are being charged with the alleged crime of "Other Acts Contrary to the Integral Development of Minors."
The authorities have warned that depending on the outcome of the investigation, additional charges may be considered.
Outrage Over Child Abuse Incident
This past Sunday, the child abuse case sparked widespread outrage in Cuba as it went viral on social media platforms.
The disturbing footage shows a mother brutally beating her young daughter with a stick. The child, tied up in the yard, was left bleeding and terrified.
Experts agree that child abuse in Cuba often stems from cultural and familial roots. Many parents perpetuate authoritarian upbringing models they experienced in their own childhood, and even today, violence is often normalized as a disciplinary method.
Such violence typically originates within the home, amid conditions of poverty, stress, gender violence, or alcoholism.
In 2025, hospitals in Matanzas have already treated four child abuse victims, surpassing the three cases reported throughout 2024, highlighting a troubling increase in this issue.
Understanding Child Abuse in Cuba
What actions have Cuban authorities taken following the child abuse case?
Cuban authorities have relocated the abused children to an orphanage for children without parental care, and they are receiving specialized care. Legal proceedings are also underway against the mother and stepfather involved in the abuse.
What are the cultural factors contributing to child abuse in Cuba?
Child abuse in Cuba is often linked to cultural and familial factors, where authoritarian parenting models from previous generations are perpetuated, and violence is normalized as a method of discipline.
How has the child abuse situation in Matanzas changed in recent years?
In Matanzas, there has been a noticeable increase in child abuse cases, with four incidents reported in 2025, surpassing the total number of cases in 2024. This indicates a growing concern regarding child safety in the area.