# Femicide and child violence in Dominican Republic

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/femicide-and-child-orphanhood-in-dominican-republic
> Updated: 2026-09-03T05:00:00.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3.

In the Dominican Republic, Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso reported that 62 femicides have been documented so far in 2026. This figure represents an increase compared to the 59 cases documented in 2025. These incidents have left approximately 77 children and adolescents orphaned, as the mothers were murdered and the fathers were either deceased or in custody.

Data indicates that in 36 cases, the alleged aggressor was the victim’s current partner, while in 18 cases, the perpetrator was an ex-partner. Reynoso noted a trend where approximately 89% of female victims had not filed formal complaints prior to their deaths, suggesting barriers to accessing institutional protection. Additionally, 25% of femicides are followed by the perpetrator committing suicide. Reynoso has emphasized the need to strengthen prevention policies and dismantle “machista culture” to address the scale of gender, domestic, and sexual violence.

In response to these trends, the Ministry of Women has initiated training programs for community leaders. These workshops aim to create prevention networks and provide support for victims by raising awareness within local sectors.

In a separate case of violence involving a minor, a two-year-old boy named Dylan Sánchez died in Santo Domingo following severe physical aggression. Forensic reports from the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) determined the cause of death was compatible with “child abuse syndrome,” citing severe cranioencephalic trauma and multiple hemorrhages. Investigations into the death suggest a pattern of chronic abuse lasting at least a year.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Dominican Republic reports 62 feminicides in early 2026

The Dominican Republic has recorded 62 feminicides so far in 2026. Authorities emphasize the need for better prevention, noting that 89% of victims had not previously reported violence.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-reports-62-femicides-in-early-2026

### 2026-08-12: Dominican Republic femicides leave 77 children orphaned in 2026

Dominican Republic Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso reports that 59 femicides in 2026 have left approximately 77 children orphaned, noting that 89% of victims had not filed prior complaints.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-femicides-leave-77-children-orphaned-in-2026

### 2026-08-11: Child fatalities in Dominican Republic and Argentina spark outcry

Reports highlight two tragic cases of child fatalities: a two-year-old in the Dominican Republic killed by a stepmother and a 12-year-old with autism in Argentina killed by his father.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/child-fatalities-in-dominican-republic-and-argentina-spark-outcry

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Cite as: Femicide and child violence in Dominican Republic. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/femicide-and-child-orphanhood-in-dominican-republic