A mother from Pinar del Río has publicly condemned the attack on her teenage daughter by a man, claiming that the police refused to arrest the perpetrator, stating that “it’s not enough to put him in jail,” and only issued him a fine.
The mother took to Facebook to share harrowing images of her daughter, showing a swollen face, bruises surrounding her left eye, visible scratches, and an expression of pain that underscores the severity of the assault. She also posted a medical certificate documenting the injuries.
“Please share this. My daughter was beaten by a man and nothing happens here. They do whatever they want. I went to the Gaspar police, and they say it's not enough to arrest him. I want justice,” the mother wrote, expressing her anger over the authorities’ inaction.
The post attracted numerous comments supporting the call for justice, while others voiced concerns about similar incidents going unpunished due to police passivity—a growing issue in various parts of the country.
Rising Violence Amid Police Inaction
Although this specific incident is not classified as a femicide, it is part of a broader pattern of violence against women and girls that is increasingly prevalent on the island. Independent organizations report that this violence is worsening due to the lack of effective protective measures.
In 2025 alone, 41 femicides have been confirmed in Cuba by the gender observatories Alas Tensas and Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba. Additionally, there have been 15 attempted femicides and numerous other assaults that often go unaddressed with the urgency and seriousness they demand.
Feminist observatories have repeatedly highlighted that gender-based violence is widespread across provinces, and the absence of specialized protocols, shelters, emergency hotlines, and comprehensive legislation against gender violence leaves women and minors in extremely vulnerable positions.
Public denunciations, like that of this mother from Pinar del Río, expose the sense of unprotection many families in Cuba experience, resorting to social media to demand justice in the face of institutional inaction.
Understanding the Impact of Police Inaction in Cuba
What was the response of the police to the assault on the teenager in Pinar del Río?
The police reportedly refused to arrest the attacker, stating that the incident was not sufficient to warrant imprisonment, and instead, issued a fine.
How has the public reacted to the mother's denunciation?
The mother's social media post received widespread support and calls for justice, alongside concerns about similar incidents being ignored by the police.
What does this incident reveal about the broader issue of violence in Cuba?
The incident reflects a larger trend of increasing violence against women and girls in Cuba, exacerbated by the lack of effective protective mechanisms and institutional support.