Dominican activists urge government action on femicides in Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- More than 80 organizations, activists, academics, and citizens have signed an open letter urging the Dominican government to declare femicides and gender violence a national emergency, according to the Coalition for Women’s Rights and Life. The initiative comes amid growing concern over violence against women in the country, where at least 32 women have reportedly been killed in gender-related crimes during the first five months of 2026.

The document, titled “Not One Less! Women’s Lives Demand State, Justice and Education for Equality,” calls on the government to adopt urgent and coordinated measures to address what organizers describe as a systemic crisis. The Coalition announced that citizens can now publicly support the letter through the feminicidios.do platform as part of a broader effort to increase public pressure on authorities.

Among the main demands are the declaration of a National Emergency for Femicides and Gender Violence, the approval of a comprehensive law to prevent and punish violence against women, and independent audits of the response mechanisms of the National Police and the Attorney General’s Office. The signatories also called for stronger prosecution of aggressors, the removal of police or military officers accused of gender violence, expanded shelters and support programs for victims, and the inclusion of equality education in school curricula.

The Coalition emphasized that femicides should not be viewed as isolated incidents but as the result of institutional failures to prevent violence and protect victims. The group also requested comprehensive support for children orphaned by femicides and increased funding for the Ministry of Women and violence prevention programs nationwide.

Organizers are encouraging additional organizations, professionals, community leaders, and citizens to sign the letter, arguing that violence against women requires a coordinated national response and long-term public policies focused on prevention, justice, and protection.