Dominican Republic releases updated Penal Code amid debate

Penal Code feminicide legal reform Dominican Republic public policy

The Dominican Republic has released a unified and updated version of its Penal Code, incorporating Law 74-25 and subsequent modifications from Law 44-26. The Executive Branch Legal Consultancy published this edition in both print and digital formats to facilitate public access to current legislation.

While the new code introduces stricter penalties for feminicide—including autonomous classification and aggravated circumstances with sentences up to 40 years—experts and legal professionals are debating its effectiveness. Attorney Edward Moya and psychologist Amaury Ramírez argued that increased sentencing alone may not curb violence, suggesting that the country needs a stronger focus on prevention rather than just punishment. Moya proposed the creation of a ‘Family Ministry’ to provide coordinated responses from police, psychologists, and judges to intervene in domestic conflicts before they escalate.

Additionally, legal challenges continue regarding the code's provisions on reproductive rights. Organizations have approached the Constitutional Court to defend the first grounds for legal abortion, arguing that protecting the life and health of the mother is compatible with the Constitution and essential to prevent maternal mortality.

Entities

Amaury Ramírez · Dominican Republic · Edward Moya · Executive Branch Legal Consultancy · Public Ministry · Wandy Batista · Yeni Berenice Reynoso

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The penalty for femicide under the new code ranges between 30 and 40 years of prison. eldia.com.do
[○ 1 SOURCE] Lawyer Edward Moya proposed creating a Family Ministry to prevent femicides in the Dominican Republic. deultimominuto.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] The proposed Family Ministry would integrate the Police, Public Ministry, psychologists, health personnel, and judges. deultimominuto.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] Law 74-25, which replaced the 1884 Penal Code, entered into force on August 3. eldia.com.do
[○ 1 SOURCE] Article 94 establishes a fixed 40-year sentence for aggravated femicide involving victims such as children, adolescents, or people with disabilities. eldia.com.do
[● 2 SOURCES] Psychologist Amaury Ramírez argued that increasing criminal penalties alone will not solve the issue of violence against women. deultimominuto.net · eldia.com.do
[● 2 SOURCES] Article 93 of the new Penal Code establishes femicide as an autonomous crime. deultimominuto.net · eldia.com.do
[○ 1 SOURCE] Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso defended the new legislation as a necessary tool to address crimes not adequately covered by the previous framework. eldia.com.do