Dominican Republic addresses rising femicides and security planning

In the Dominican Republic, advocates and government officials are addressing the rising rates of violence against women through different strategic lenses. Yanira Fondeur, president of the Fundación Vida sin Violencia, reported an alarming increase in intimate femicides, noting 70 cases in the first nine months of the year—an increase of 23 cases compared to the same period last year. Fondeur criticized current public policies for failing to produce results, highlighting that at least four victims had previously obtained protection orders that failed to prevent the crimes. She called for a deep review of state monitoring mechanisms and better coordination between the National Police and the justice system.

Simultaneously, the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) and the Institute of Higher Education in Diplomatic and Consular Training (INESDYC) have launched training programs to design a National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security. This initiative aligns with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which aims to integrate women into conflict resolution and peacebuilding processes. The program focuses on strengthening national capacities to manage conflicts and incorporate gender perspectives into mediation and security strategies.