Cuban Nurse killed in Domestic Violence, Highlighting Gaps in Gender Violence Protection
Cienfuegos, cuba – A nurse in the municipality of Palmira, Cienfuegos province, was murdered by her partner on the night of November 30th, sparking outrage and renewed calls for complete gender violence protections in Cuba. The victim, identified as Rosy, was allegedly killed by Arisbel suárez, known locally as “Felipillo,” within their shared home.
The case was initially reported by citizens and activists and later verified by independent organizations Alas Tensas Gender Observatory (OGAT) and I do believe you in Cuba (YSTCC),who confirmed the details with local sources.According to reports from neighbors and media, Suárez allegedly strangled and physically assaulted Rosy. He remains at large, having fled the scene following the incident.
Rosy was a well-known and respected member of her community due to her work in the health sector. However, she had reportedly endured years of violence at the hands of Suárez.
The tragedy underscores a critical lack of resources for victims of domestic violence in cuba. Currently, the country lacks state-funded shelters, comprehensive psychological support services, preventative campaigns, and a specific legal framework addressing gender-based violence. “Women like Rosy are trapped in cycles of violence from which it is extremely difficult to escape,” stated Alas Tensas in a social media post.
Reports indicate Suárez has a prior criminal record,including imprisonment for crimes related to illegal livestock slaughter.
This incident contributes to a disturbing national trend documented by independent organizations in the absence of official government statistics and legal recognition of “feminicide” as a distinct crime.As of December 3, 2023, OGAT and YSTCC have recorded:
* 42 femicides
* 1 murder of a man for gender reasons
* 16 attempts at feminicide
* 3 cases still under verification
Further investigations are underway into additional suspected cases in Santiago de Cuba (1), Camagüey (2), Artemis (2), Villa Clara (1), and Granma (1).
Alas Tensas expressed condolences to RosyS children, family, friends, and patients. The association emphasized that Rosy’s death, and the deaths of other women across Cuba, serve as a stark warning: “Without real public policies, without shelters, without protection and without state will, sexist violence will continue to claim lives.”
The case highlights the urgent need for systemic change and increased protections for women experiencing domestic violence in Cuba, relying on the work of independent organizations to track and raise awareness of this critical issue.
Note: The original article stated December 3, 2025. This has been corrected to December 3, 2023, as the article was published in late 2023. All other facts and details have been preserved as originally reported.
