The Dominican Republic has enacted a new Penal Code to replace legislation in place since 1884. President Luis Abinader signed the reform into law on Sunday, following years of political negotiation and previously unsuccessful efforts to update the system.

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Set to take effect in 12 months, the new Penal Code introduces legal definitions and penalties for crimes that were previously unaddressed under Dominican law. These include femicide, contract killings, cyber harassment, economic violence, deepfake extortion, pyramid scheme fraud, incitement to suicide, enforced disappearances, and the filing of false complaints.

The legislation was passed with broad support from the country’s main political parties after years of stalled attempts at reform. Officials describe the reform as a response to current security threats and social dynamics, aiming to strengthen the legal system’s ability to address contemporary crimes and social harms.

Penalties have been updated to reflect the severity of new and existing offenses. Prison sentences may reach up to 40 years, and in cases involving multiple severe crimes, up to 60 years. The law also expands legal protections for victims of domestic and gender-based violence, providing more robust legal tools and institutional support.

New mechanisms include post-release supervision, compulsory sex offender registries, and rehabilitation programs aimed at supporting social reintegration. These measures are intended to modernize the justice system while emphasizing victim protection and a more structured approach to reentry for convicted individuals.

The reform positions the Dominican Republic alongside other Latin American nations seeking to modernize criminal justice frameworks. It reflects an institutional shift toward stronger victim protection, clearer legal definitions, and mechanisms for reintegration.

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