Just a few days into September, Cuba has already recorded 50 femicides in 2026, surpassing the total number of cases documented throughout the previous year.
The Alas Tensas Gender Observatory (OGAT) has reported two additional crimes that increase this year's count to 50, one more than the 49 cases reported in 2025.
The most recent victims are Yadelaine Roque Torres, a 25-year-old who was fatally stabbed on September 4 by her ex-partner in the rural town of Sabana, La Caoba, near El Cobre, Santiago de Cuba; and Berta Veitía López, aged 64, who was murdered on August 26 by an acquaintance in Nuevitas, Camagüey.
Monthly Breakdown of Femicides in 2026
The statistics for 2026 reveal that June and July were particularly deadly months, each with nine murders; followed by May with eight; April with seven; January and March with six each; August with three; and February with one. As of now, September has reported the case of Yanelkys.
Since 2019, when the observatory began tracking these crimes, it has recorded a total of 366 femicides in Cuba.
Trends and Statistics in Cuban Femicides
The data shows that 2023 was the deadliest year, with 90 cases, followed by 56 in 2024, and 48 in 2025. With 50 cases before mid-September, 2026 is on track to become the second most deadly year since Alas Tensas began its documentation efforts.
The profile of these crimes remains consistent: 83.3% are committed by the victim's partner or ex-partner, 64.6% involve the use of a sharp weapon, and 62.5% occur in the victim's home or immediate surroundings.
Lack of Legal Framework and Official Recognition
The only official data available on this issue was released by the Cuban Observatory on Gender Equality (OCIG/ONEI) in August, which reported that 49 cases involving gender-based violence were prosecuted in 2025.
According to this report, Havana had the highest number of cases with 12, followed by Mayabeque, Camagüey, and Holguín with six each, and Santiago de Cuba with five.
Despite the severity of the issue, Cuba does not classify femicide as an autonomous crime in its Penal Code, which has been in effect since December 2022, where it is only considered an aggravating factor in homicide cases.
The National Assembly dismissed an amendment to include it as a separate legal category, and the country also lacks comprehensive legislation against gender violence and specialized shelters for women at risk.
Understanding Femicide in Cuba: Key Questions
What is the current femicide count in Cuba for 2026?
As of early September 2026, Cuba has recorded 50 femicides, exceeding the total count of the previous year.
How does Cuba legally address femicide?
Cuba does not recognize femicide as a separate legal offense. It is considered an aggravating factor in homicide cases under the Penal Code effective since December 2022.
Which Cuban provinces have the highest number of femicide cases?
Havana reported the highest number of femicide cases in 2025, followed by Mayabeque, Camagüey, and Holguín.