Gender violence reports rise in the Dominican Republic

A special report highlights the ongoing challenges faced by women in the Dominican Republic after reporting gender-based violence. While filing a complaint is a critical first step, victims often face increased fear regarding their safety, housing, childcare, and employment following the legal process.

Official data from the Procuraduría General de la República reveals the scale of the issue. Between January and June 2025, the institution recorded 31,908 complaints involving gender violence, domestic violence, and sexual crimes. During this same period, 18,387 protection orders were issued.

Experts note that physical violence is often preceded by long periods of emotional abuse, including isolation, control, verbal disparagement, and psychological dependency. The report emphasizes that the cycle of violence frequently begins with these non-physical behaviors before escalating to physical harm.