Report of domestic assault in Higüey: Family cries out for justice after violent altercation
A family residing in Higüey, La Altagracia province, finds themselves plunged into uncertainty and pain following a violent incident that occurred in the early hours of last July 19th. Rosa Adela Tejeda de Santos has raised her voice to denounce a brutal assault that, she claims, has left her loved ones in a state of total vulnerability before the local authorities.
According to Tejeda’s testimony, the conflict originated when she, her husband Rafael Santos, and their 15-year-old son went to the roof of their building with the goal of requesting quiet, due to a situation that was disturbing their rest. The complainant maintains that, after failed attempts at prior mediation, they were met by their neighbors, identified as Julio Alberto Rodríguez Ávilas and Enerolisa Polo, armed with bats.
An attack with serious physical consequences
The account of the events describes a scene of extreme violence. Tejeda claims to have received a blunt impact to the head that required 20 stitches, in addition to suffering three fractures in one wrist and a foot injury. Her husband, Rafael Santos, reportedly suffered four fractured ribs, eight stitches to his face, and a serious eye injury that, according to specialists, will require surgery.
The minor, while attempting to protect his parents, was also injured, receiving eight stitches to his face. The mother expressed her deep fear by pointing out that, during the altercation, the teenager was dragged to the edge of the roof, which leads her to suspect that the attackers intended to throw him into the void.
We feel completely unprotected. We only ask that the case be investigated objectively and that the injuries suffered by my husband, my youngest son, and me be taken into account.
Rosa Adela Tejeda
Questioning the judicial process
Beyond the initial aggression, the family reports irregularities in the handling of the case by the Higüey Prosecutor’s Office. Tejeda questions that, despite the injuries suffered, both she and her husband were treated as defendants in what was judicially classified as a brawl. Likewise, she denounced the treatment received by her minor son, who was transported between police stations handcuffed and on a motorcycle.
- Health status: The family continues under medical treatment, including rehabilitation therapies for fractures and pending surgeries.
- Review request: Rosa Adela Tejeda has formally requested the Attorney General’s Office to conduct a thorough supervision of the actions taken by the Higüey Prosecutor’s Office.
- Evidence: The complaining party claims to have medical certificates that attest to the severity of the injuries suffered by the three family members.
More than a month after the incident, the family insists that there are external influences that have favored the other party in the case file. Given this scenario, they are calling on higher authorities to conduct an audit of the process and establish the corresponding legal responsibilities, guaranteeing respect for the victims’ rights.
