Skip to main content

The Crisis of Violence Against Women in Puerto Rico: A Call for Awareness

A young Puerto Rican woman stands solemnly under a streetlight at night, her expression serious and weary. The street is dimly lit, evoking danger and isolation. Bold white text reads: “The Crisis of Violence Against Women in Puerto Rico – A Call for Awareness.

Puerto Rico is grappling with a severe crisis of gender-based violence, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency in January 2021. Despite governmental and grassroots efforts, violence against women remains alarmingly prevalent, with many cases highlighting systemic failures in prevention and protection. Below are three of the most harrowing cases in the last five years that underline the urgent need for action.


1. Keishla Rodr铆guez Ortiz (2021)

Keishla Rodr铆guez Ortiz, a 27-year-old woman, was brutally murdered by her partner, F茅lix Verdejo, a former Olympic boxer. Keishla informed Verdejo she was pregnant, which reportedly triggered the violent act. Verdejo, along with an accomplice, injected her with drugs, restrained her, and threw her into the San Jos茅 Lagoon, where her body was later found. This case shocked Puerto Rico, illustrating the devastating consequences of intimate partner violence and the urgent need for accountability in such crimes.



2. Andrea Ruiz Costas (2021)

Andrea Ruiz Costas sought protection from her ex-partner through Puerto Rico's legal system, but her requests were denied. Just days later, she was murdered by the same man. Andrea’s body was found burned and abandoned, highlighting systemic failures in recognizing and responding to the warning signs of domestic violence. This tragedy spurred public outrage and demands for reform in how protective measures are granted.



3. Rosimar Rodr铆guez G贸mez (2020)

Rosimar Rodr铆guez G贸mez, 20, was kidnapped outside her home in Toa Baja and later found dead in Vega Baja. Her abduction and murder were a grim reminder of the risks women face daily. Despite public outcry and calls for justice, the case remains a chilling example of the vulnerability of women to violence in Puerto Rico.



A Growing Crisis

The Puerto Rico Gender Equality Observatory reported 72 femicides in 2023 alone, including cases of intimate partner violence where firearms were often used. However, discrepancies between official and independent data reveal challenges in tracking and addressing these crimes. Activists argue that governmental responses, while symbolic, often lack effective implementation, leaving many women without adequate protection.



Addressing the Issue

While the state of emergency brought attention to the crisis, activists emphasized the need for coordinated efforts. This includes improved access to shelters, stricter gun control, and better legal frameworks to protect survivors. Organizations like Coordinadora Paz Para Las Mujeres continue to advocate for systemic change, providing resources and education to combat gender-based violence.



How You Can Help

Awareness and advocacy are critical in addressing violence against women. Supporting local organizations, participating in awareness campaigns, and demanding governmental accountability are vital steps toward change. Together, we can work to create a safer and more equitable society for women.


What to read next:


馃帴 Bonus Escape: Puerto Rican Thunderstorm Ambiance

Before you sink into your next mystery, let the storm set the tone.
This isn’t rainforest birdsong—this is raw, thunder-pounding, backseat-haunting Puerto Rico.

Trapped in my car during a midnight downpour, the windshield trembled and the sky cracked open. The rain hit like a warning.
There’s something oddly calming about being surrounded by that much power...
As long as I don't look in the backseat, I feel safe.

Perfect for reading thrillers, writing crimes, or just letting the storm drown out your thoughts.

馃敆 Watch Penelope’s Puerto Rican Storm Ambiance on YouTube



With thrills,

Penelope McGrath


About Penelope McGrath:

 Penelope McGrath is a psychological thriller author living in Puerto Rico with her two toddlers. She writes dark mysteries, twisted suspense, and curates eerie ambiance videos inspired by the island.

馃敆 Download a free short story and Subscribe to her newsletter to uncover your next obsession.

Labels:
Location: Puerto Rico

Comments

Post a Comment

Step into the conversation—your comment will appear once it’s passed moderation.

Popular posts from this blog

The Case of Rosimar Rodr铆guez G贸mez: A Heartbreaking Crime That Shook Puerto Rico

The Tragic Abduction of Rosimar Rodr铆guez G贸mez: A True Crime Story from Puerto Rico On the humid night of September 17, 2020, 20-year-old Rosimar Rodr铆guez G贸mez stepped outside her cousin’s home in Toa Baja. Within moments, she was gone.  Witnesses describe a gut-wrenching scene: a stranger ambushed her, forced her into a car, and vanished into the dark. Puerto Rico awoke to the sound of another woman missing. Ten Days of Dread: The Search for Rosimar Rosimar’s family launched a desperate search. Flyers, posts, prayers, and pleas. Local authorities joined in. So did neighbors, volunteers, and strangers who saw their own daughters in Rosimar’s eyes. But dread set in. Because in Puerto Rico, missing women too often end in headlines, not homecomings. On September 27, a decomposed body was discovered in a remote field in Dorado.  DNA confirmed what many feared: Rosimar had been murdered. Her remains showed signs of brutal violence. The Suspect: A Ca...
Post a Comment
Read more

True Crime: The Mysterious Disappearance of Abdur Rahman in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico's El Yunque National Forest, renowned for its lush landscapes and biodiversity, attracts countless adventurers each year. However, beneath its verdant canopy lies an undercurrent of mystery. One such enigma is the recent disappearance of Abdur Rahman, a 64-year-old tourist from Wisconsin, who vanished without a trace during a group hike. This article delves into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, the challenges faced during the search, and the broader implications for travelers exploring unfamiliar terrains. The Disappearance On February 23, 2025, Abdur Rahman embarked on a hike in El Yunque with a group of fellow tourists. Around 4 p.m., Rahman became separated from the group. Despite immediate search efforts by his companions, there was no sign of him as daylight waned. Authorities were promptly notified, and a coordinated search operation was launched. The dense vegetation, rugged terrain, and unpredictable weather patterns of El Yunque posed significan...
Post a Comment
Read more

Puerto Rico’s Darkest Legends: La Llorona, El Chupacabra & More

Welcome to my Library of Shadows Step softly. Puerto Rico doesn’t just have beaches kissed by sunlight—it has rivers that echo with cries, fields where creatures prowl unseen, and mountains heavy with whispers. These legends don’t sit neatly in storybooks; they haunt the island’s collective memory, shaping how we see the night, the forest, and even each other. In this corner of my library, let’s explore three of the island’s most enduring mysteries: La Llorona , El Chupacabra , and the eerie spirits said to linger in El Yunque’s mist. La Llorona: The Cry by the River The tale of La Llorona drifts from Mexico across Latin America and into Puerto Rico, but here the legend has a distinctly local chill. They say she walks by rivers and streams, her wail sharp enough to cut through the chorus of coqu铆s. Some whisper she drowned her children and wanders forever in regret; others say she appears as a warning before storms or tragedies. Ask an abuela, and you’ll hear it as both caut...
Post a Comment
Read more