Dominican Republic organizations call for action on rising violence

The Fundación Vida Sin Violencia has reported 74 feminicides in the Dominican Republic so far this year, marking an increase of 24 cases compared to the previous year. President Yanira Fondeur noted that these crimes have left 105 children and adolescents without mothers and highlighted that many victims were under the age of 35.

Fondeur emphasized the need for stronger public policies regarding prevention and the effective enforcement of protection orders, noting that many incidents occur within the victims' homes following patterns of threats and domestic control. The foundation also reported that seven of the victims were minors.

In a separate development, the Dominican Council of Evangelical Unity (CODUE) has called for a review of police protocols following recent incidents where over 30 alleged criminals died in shootouts, referred to as ‘code 29’. The organization is advocating for transparent investigations, respect for fundamental rights, and improved community-based prevention strategies to address social vulnerability.