Femicides in Latin America: Alarming figures for the Dominican Republic, says ECLAC

Chile.- In 2023, 3,897 women were victims of femicide in Latin America and the Caribbean, averaging 11 gender-based murders daily, according to ECLAC’s Gender Equality Observatory. Latin America accounted for 3,877 cases, with the Caribbean reporting 20. Honduras (7.2 cases per 100,000 women), the Dominican Republic (2.4), and Brazil (1.4) had the highest femicide rates, while Haiti (0.2) and Chile (0.4) reported the lowest.

Most victims were women aged 30–59 (56.4%), followed by those aged 15–29 (20.3%). Children under 14 made up 3.4% of victims. Data from seven reporting countries recorded 488 indirect victims, including children and dependents. Despite legal frameworks in every country to combat gender-based violence, it remains a pervasive issue in the region. National surveys show that 63–76% of women have faced gender-based violence, with WHO estimating that 1 in 4 women in the region has experienced partner violence.

On November 25, Chile will mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women with nationwide demonstrations organized by feminist groups. The UN will also launch its “Join” campaign to raise awareness and strengthen global commitment to combat gender violence.