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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [CULTURE]

3 clusters · 5 sources · 23 days · First seen · Last updated

Child protection and welfare in the Dominican Republic

Overview

Data from the ENHOGAR-MICS 2025 survey, released by the National Statistics Office (ONE) and UNICEF, indicates high rates of violent discipline among children aged 1 to 14 in the Dominican Republic. Approximately 54.9% of children in this age group experienced some form of violent disciplinary method in the month preceding the survey, with 37.9% receiving physical punishment and 43% suffering psychological aggression.

UNICEF has responded to these findings by organizing sessions with journalists and community leaders to challenge social norms that justify physical and psychological punishment. These efforts aim to advocate for upbringing methods based on respect and the protection of children's rights, addressing the discrepancy where only 12.1% of caregivers believe physical punishment is necessary.

In addition to child protection efforts, social inclusion initiatives have emerged. The Fundación Nido para Ángeles recently held the ‘Ángeles sobre Ruedas’ event at Parque Iberoamericano. This family-oriented initiative included recreational activities and a 1,000-meter course to raise funds for specialized education, rehabilitation, and support programs for children and youth with cerebral palsy.

In a related legal development, a court in Santo Domingo Este sentenced Yoan del Rosario Tolentino to 20 years in prison for the sexual abuse of a girl over a nine-year period, ordering the payment of one million pesos in compensation to the victim.

Entities

Dominican Republic · UNICEF · Fundación Nido para Ángeles · Monika Despradel · National Statistics Office

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Dominican Republic debates physical discipline following UNICEF report

    Following a UNICEF report stating 54.9% of Dominican children face violent discipline, a national debate has emerged regarding the use of physical punishment versus respectful parenting.

  2. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Child welfare and inclusion initiatives in Dominican Republic

    The Fundación Nido para Ángeles hosted an inclusion event for youth with cerebral palsy, while UNICEF reported that 54.9% of Dominican children have experienced violent discipline.

  3. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Dominican Republic reports high rates of violent discipline in children

    A new survey in the Dominican Republic shows 54.9% of children aged 1-14 experienced violent discipline, including physical and psychological aggression, despite most caregivers not viewing it as necessary.

Sources

arcodelsur.com · diariodesalud.com.do · hoy.com.do · portadanacional.com · teleradioamerica.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history