Child femicide crisis in the Dominican Republic: An analysis of the alarming figures
The Dominican Republic faces a worrying reality regarding child safety. According to official reports, between the years 2021 and 2025, 41 child femicides have been recorded in the national territory. These data, compiled by the National Statistics Office (ONE) from the records of the National Police and the Citizen Security Data Analysis Center (CADSECO), paint a picture that demands immediate attention.
The year 2025 closed as the most critical period of this five-year term, reaching a record figure of 11 victims under 14 years of age. This growing trend exceeds the records of previous years: 10 cases in 2023, 8 in 2024, 7 in 2022, and 5 in 2021.
The family environment: The space of greatest vulnerability
One of the most heartbreaking findings of this report is the recurrence of the family environment as the primary setting for these crimes. The 2025 statistics reveal that trusted figures are, unfortunately, responsible for the majority of the incidents:
- 4 girls murdered by their fathers.
- 2 by their mothers.
- 1 by their brother.
- 1 by their cousin.
- 1 by their stepfather.
Extreme physical violence has established itself as the predominant method in these cases, where the use of blunt objects, asphyxiation, and poisoning figure as the most frequent causes of death among the victims.
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Geographic distribution and victim profiles
The issue is not limited to a specific point on the map. While the Ozama Region, which includes the National District and Santo Domingo, reported 2 cases in 2025, the incidence extends to provinces such as Santiago, Espaillat, Duarte, Monte Cristi, Baoruco, and El Valle, affecting urban and rural communities alike.
Regarding nationality, the report highlights that, although the majority of the victims are Dominican, there is a significant presence of girls of Haitian nationality —5 out of the 11 cases in 2025—. This reality underscores the need to implement comprehensive public protection policies that transcend nationality and strengthen coordination on children’s rights.
Towards a comprehensive prevention strategy
Child femicides are not isolated incidents, but the symptom of a deep social problem that requires multisectoral intervention. Alofoke Deportes emphasizes that, beyond the punitive response, a cultural change that eradicates machismo and the normalization of violence is imperative.
The protection of children and women in high-risk situations depends on the State’s ability to act before violence escalates. Effective reporting, institutional support, and education in values of equality are the fundamental pillars for transforming this reality. The Dominican Republic faces the challenge of moving from reacting to pain to a permanent prevention strategy that guarantees a safe environment for all minors.
