Santo Domingo. The Dominican Republic is once again facing a worrying wave of violence against women. In just one week, at least six women lost their lives in violent incidents that occurred in different parts of the country, cases that have caused dismay and reignited the debate on the need to strengthen prevention and protection policies against gender-based violence.
The string of deaths occurs in a context where various institutions are reporting worrying figures on femicides. While the Public Ministry reported that during the first quarter of 2026 there were 22 women murdered by their partners or ex-partners, subsequent reports from the Ministry of Women raise the figure to more than 27 cases as of May, while the Judiciary’s Observatory of Justice and Gender counts 32 femicides so far this year.
With these new deaths, violence against women continues to leave a deep mark on the country.
Maydarlyn Yunerki Acosta Almánzar
The first victim was Maydarlyn Yunerki Acosta Almánzar, 33, found lifeless on July 6 in the Buena Vista I sector, in Santo Domingo Norte.
Investigations point to her romantic partner, Erick Antonio Gómez Torres, as the main suspect, who was arrested and placed at the disposal of the Public Prosecutor’s Office while investigations continue.
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Felicia Ramírez Capellán
The case of Felicia Ramírez Capellán, 46, has sparked outrage in the provinces of La Vega and Santiago.
His body was found with multiple stab wounds, blows, and burns in the Yabanal community, in La Vega, after he had left for work and lost contact with his relatives.
During the funeral, his relatives demanded justice and denounced that the crime was committed with extreme violence.
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“We want justice. He went out to work and never returned“, expressed his relative Yulisnny Luna through tears.
So far, the authorities have not reported any individuals taken into custody regarding the case.
Jairy Brisita
Also, on July 7, Jairy Brisita was found lifeless in her home in the Los Montones community, San José de las Matas municipality, in Santiago.
The young woman was known on social media for the content she shared on TikTok. The National Institute of Forensic Sciences (Inacif) is working to determine the cause of her death, while the Police keep the investigation open.
Asencio Clarinet
In Hatillo, San Cristóbal, Clarinete Asencio lost her life, allegedly murdered by her romantic partner.
According to preliminary investigations, the woman received a fatal wound caused by a pellet gun.
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The authorities are continuing the search for Royel Martínez de los Santos, identified as the main suspect.
Lisettes Noemí Almonte Peña
At just 17 years old, Lisettes Noemí Almonte Peña was found murdered with signs of violence in a vacant lot on Circunvalación Norte Avenue, in Santiago.
His wake was marked by scenes of deep sorrow.
Family members and community members described her as a hardworking, quiet young woman full of dreams.
Although those close to her have publicly pointed to her ex-partner as the alleged perpetrator, the authorities have not yet confirmed that version and are keeping the investigations open.
Catherine Rosario Gutiérrez
The most recent case corresponds to Catherine Rosario Gutiérrez, found dead inside a home in the Mata Bonita community, Las Gordas municipal district, in Nagua.
The authorities are investigating the incident as a violent death.
Unofficially, her husband has been mentioned as a person of interest in the investigations, although there is no official confirmation regarding responsibilities at this time.
You can also read: Remains of woman victim of alleged femicide in North Santo Domingo are being waked
A violence that does not subside
The six cases recorded in a few days once again highlight the persistence of the violence that affects women in the Dominican Republic.
Although authorities present weekly reports highlighting a reduction in various crime indicators, recent homicides have generated concern among social organizations and victims’ families, who are demanding swift investigations, exemplary sanctions, and greater protection mechanisms.
Official figures reflect that, depending on the institution consulted, between 22 and 32 women have been murdered so far in 2026, a reality that keeps femicide and gender-based violence among the main challenges in terms of security and human rights in the country.
According to the most recent records, the average is equivalent to one woman murdered approximately every 36 hours, a figure that highlights the urgency of strengthening prevention, care, and protection actions to prevent more Dominican families from being scarred by this type of violence.
