Dominican Congress presents “Let Her Go” Reform to fight violence against women and children

Santo Domingo.- In a historic session at the National Assembly, Senate President Ricardo de los Santos and Chamber of Deputies President Alfredo Pacheco led the official presentation of the Comprehensive Reform “Let Her Go” (Déjala Ir) — a groundbreaking legislative initiative aimed at reducing femicides and filicides by 2030 and eradicating them entirely by 2035.

The reform, spearheaded by Representative Kimberly Taveras and backed by more than 70 legislators from both chambers, was developed over nine months to establish a national legislative agenda for life and family peace. The initiative moves beyond punitive measures to emphasize prevention, protection, and reintegration of victims, marking a profound shift in public policy and institutional modernization.

Key proposals include the criminalization of vicarious violence, creation of specialized courts, inclusion of emotional education and social workers in schools, and implementation of a National Care System. The reform also promotes the disarmament of aggressors, use of technology for monitoring and early warnings, and coordination of policies across rural and border regions.

Described as the largest women-led movement in the history of the Dominican Congress, the initiative has the united support of legislators from all political parties. During the event, participants read a manifesto declaring femicides and filicides a national emergency, calling on all sectors of society — from the State and academia to media and civil organizations — to take collective action.