Yasmina Ruano González, aged 32, tragically lost her life on Monday, November 9, in her home located in the 26 de Julio district, known as Francoy, in Nueva Gerona, Isla de la Juventud. The suspected perpetrator is believed to be her partner, and the horrific event occurred in the presence of one of her children, a boy aged between six and eight.
The crime has been confirmed by the Observatory of Gender at Alas Tensas (OGAT), marking the 63rd documented femicide in Cuba throughout 2026.
Based on information corroborated by OGAT with community sources, the police apprehended the man accused of being the perpetrator on the very day of the murder.
The young child who witnessed this tragedy is now in a particularly vulnerable position since his father lives outside of Cuba. Yasmina is also survived by a daughter whose age remains unknown.
OGAT stressed the urgent need for the child to receive specialized psychological care, consistent support, and a safe environment to ensure his well-being and protection.
The Impact on Children
The effects of such crimes on children are a key focus in the OGAT report covering January to August 2026. Out of the 49 women victims of femicide in that time frame, 26 had children under their care, amounting to 53.1%. The Observatory identified at least 40 minors who depended on these women.
Of these 26 women, 23 were killed by their partners or ex-partners, representing 88.5%. Such crimes can leave children without their primary caregivers and, in some cases, without their fathers if they are incarcerated.
Consecutive Days of Tragedy
Yasmina's murder followed the killing of Juana María "Mayi" Guzmán Torres, a 54-year-old early childhood educator, who was murdered in Manzanillo, Granma, allegedly by her ex-partner.
According to OGAT's data as of November 10, Cuba has witnessed 63 femicides, 38 attempts, and two murders of men in contexts of gender-based violence this year.
This number of confirmed femicides in 2026 surpasses the 56 recorded in 2024 and the 50 in 2025. Moreover, Yasmina’s case marks the second verified femicide in Nueva Gerona this year. In July, Kirenia López Mendoza, 43, was found dead in her home in the Pueblo Nuevo neighborhood of the same city.
Home: A Dangerous Place
The OGAT report from January to August 2026 reveals that 32 out of 49 verified femicides occurred in homes, which is 65.3%. In 12 cases, prior complaints against the aggressor existed, whereas in 28, it was unclear if the victims had previously sought help from authorities.
The Observatory highlights the absence of a national network of shelters for at-risk women and their children in Cuba. Furthermore, the country lacks a comprehensive law against gender violence and does not recognize femicide as an independent crime in the Penal Code.
Economic hardships that prevent women from leaving unsafe homes and the lack of secure housing alternatives exacerbate their exposure to violence, especially when they are financially dependent on their abusers.
OGAT calls for early risk assessment mechanisms, effective protection following complaints, and ongoing support for threatened women, as well as psychological and supportive care for the children of victims.
Ongoing Investigations
In addition to the 63 verified femicides, OGAT is investigating 11 more potential femicides and 18 reported attempts during 2026.
The Observatory also seeks access to investigation reports for the cases of Anais Tamayo Puente, Danaibis Tamayo Ramírez, and Odalis Brizuela Zayas, while keeping the case of Bárbara Sánchez González as a potential femicide-related suicide under observation.
OGAT's records reflect a minimum number of verified cases and may not represent the full extent of crimes occurring in Cuba. The organization notes that limited access to police and judicial information hinders independent documentation of these incidents.
Understanding the Femicide Crisis in Cuba
What is the significance of OGAT's report on femicides in Cuba?
OGAT's report sheds light on the alarming rate of femicides in Cuba, highlighting the lack of legal and institutional support for victims of gender-based violence.
How does the lack of shelters impact women in Cuba?
Without access to shelters, women in Cuba face increased risks as they have limited options to escape abusive situations, often staying due to economic dependency.
Why is a comprehensive gender violence law important?
A comprehensive law would provide a legal framework for protecting victims, addressing perpetrators, and preventing gender-based violence more effectively.