Viviana Díaz Castro, 40, is fighting for her life after being stabbed 13 times by her partner. The man had previously attacked her, and a judge decided to place him under house arrest in the same home where the victim resides.
The family of Viviana Díaz Castro, the 40-year-old woman who was stabbed 13 times by her partner on August 6 in the Villa Helena neighborhood of northern Bucaramanga, is holding onto prayer and hoping for her swift recovery.
Maria Díaz, a relative of the victim, told Vanguardia on Thursday morning that her sister’s condition is still critical, though she remains stable in the ICU at the University Hospital of Santander (HUS).
Read also: Man who attempted to kill his partner was under house arrest in the place where he attacked her
“The doctors have informed us that she is still stable in the ICU. She is somewhat swollen, almost unrecognizable, and remains unconscious, asleep. The brutal attack left her with 13 stab wounds,” said the relative.
While Díaz Castro fights for her life, her family is demanding justice for this severe act of gender violence, which has clear precedents.
“He had previously tried to kill her in May; she reported him and everything, but the judge made the astounding decision, believing he had no criminal record, to place him under house arrest at the same residence where she lives,” said the sister.
The victim’s partner was identified as Diego Andrés Nieto Franco, 36, who surrendered to authorities after stabbing the woman 13 times. Hours later, according to his family, he was released.
“We have been told that he is free. He turned himself in, and since there was no longer a flagrant crime, they let him go. The homicide agents from Sijin came, collected the knife, took testimonies, and now they say they will seek an arrest warrant for attempted femicide based on this evidence. I implore that the full force of the law be applied to him, as it is evident this was a case of extreme cruelty,” the family added.
Viviana and Diego had been in a relationship for several years and have three children aged 15, 13, and 11.
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“From the time I met him, he was always very jealous and possessive. He didn’t like my sister going to the store; he would send the children to run her errands. He was so controlling that he even took away her cell phone, leaving her without a means to communicate,” Maria concluded.
This is how the attack occurred
On the afternoon of Tuesday, August 6, Viviana Díaz Castro had an argument with her partner, Diego Andrés Nieto Franco.
The incident took place inside their home on Carrera 28 with Calle 15BN -17. The man chose to grab a sharp weapon and attacked the mother of his three children multiple times.
In critical condition, neighbors and family members transported her in a private vehicle to the Local Hospital of the North. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was then transferred to the University Hospital of Santander, HUS, where her health status remains complex.
“She has sustained 13 stab wounds: eight to the neck, four to the arm, and one laceration to the chest. According to information from family members, the attacker was her husband, with whom she shares three children. The incident occurred inside the home where they currently live,” the police report stated.
It has been reported that the alleged assailant works as a motorcycle taxi driver and is also believed to be a drug user.
<h1>Tragic Story of Viviana Díaz Castro: A Fight Against Gender Violence</h1>
<p class="vg-articleBody__Paragraph-sc-1payatl-2 eMPlQv">Viviana Díaz Castro, a 40-year-old mother of three, is currently in a critical state after survival from a brutal attack. On <strong>August 6</strong>, in her home located in the Villa Helena neighborhood of northern Bucaramanga, she was stabbed <strong>13 times</strong> by her partner, Diego Andrés Nieto Franco. This horrific incident not only highlights the alarming rates of gender violence in society but also raises serious questions about judicial protections for victims.</p>
<h2>Critical Condition and Family's Plea for Justice</h2>
<p class="vg-articleBody__Paragraph-sc-1payatl-2 eMPlQv">Viviana remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the University Hospital of Santander (HUS). Her sister, María Díaz, reports that although Viviana's condition is stable, the severity of her injuries remains concerning. "The doctors have told us that she is almost unrecognizable and remains unconscious," María stated, emphasizing the dire situation faced by the family.</p>
<p class="vg-articleBody__Paragraph-sc-1payatl-2 eMPlQv">The family is not only focused on Viviana’s recovery but is also campaigning for justice against this brutal act of <strong>gender-based violence</strong>. The shocking reality is that Diego had previously attacked Viviana in May, and despite her reporting him, a judge ordered him to serve house arrest in the same residence where she lived, a decision that ultimately endangered her life.</p>
<h2>The Perpetrator: Background and Previous Incidents</h2>
<p class="vg-articleBody__Paragraph-sc-1payatl-2 eMPlQv">Diego Andrés Nieto Franco, age 36, is now in custody following the stabbing—though he briefly enjoyed freedom after turning himself in. According to María, "They tell us that he is free. He turned himself in, and since there was no longer any flagrant crime, they let him go." This raises critical concerns about the legal system's capacity to protect victims of domestic violence.</p>
<h3>Judicial System's Missteps</h3>
<p class="vg-articleBody__Paragraph-sc-1payatl-2 eMPlQv">Despite a previous attempt on Viviana's life and formal complaints made against him, Diego's previous lack of a criminal record led to a lenient judgment. Critics argue that existing laws designed to protect victims are inadequately enforced, thereby placing victims in unsafe situations.</p>
<h2>The Attack: Details and Aftermath</h2>
<p class="vg-articleBody__Paragraph-sc-1payatl-2 eMPlQv">The harrowing incident took place in the afternoon when a dispute arose between the couple. Diego used a sharp weapon, leading to 13 stab wounds that left Viviana fighting for her life. Neighbors rushed her to a local hospital from where she was transferred due to the severity of her injuries.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Injuries Sustained:</strong> 8 stab wounds to the neck, 4 wounds to the arm, and a laceration to the chest.</li>
<li><strong>Immediate Response:</strong> Neighbors and relatives transported her to a private car and then to local medical facilities.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Communities and Support Networks</h3>
<p class="vg-articleBody__Paragraph-sc-1payatl-2 eMPlQv">Viviana’s case has stirred community outrage, prompting calls for reforms in how cases of domestic violence are handled by the authorities. Support networks for victims in Bucaramanga and beyond are mobilizing to advocate for protective measures.</p>
<p class="vg-articleBody__Paragraph-sc-1payatl-2 eMPlQv">As related experiences in other communities have shown, empowered victim support systems can significantly impact victims' safety and access to justice. Advocacy groups are gathering to apply pressure for legislative changes aimed at enhancing protections for domestic violence survivors.</p>
<h2>The Cycle of Abuse: Understanding Domestic Violence Dynamics</h2>
<p class="vg-articleBody__Paragraph-sc-1payatl-2 eMPlQv">Viviana's story is a classic representation of the cycle of abuse that often traps victims. According to her sister, Diego had always exhibited possessive behavior, limiting Viviana's freedom and controlling her daily life.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Jealousy and Control:</strong> Diego's jealousy was apparent throughout their relationship, often preventing Viviana from even running simple errands alone.</li>
<li><strong>Isolation Tactics:</strong> Reports indicate Diego would confiscate her phone, making it difficult for her to communicate with others.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Recognizing the Signs of Domestic Violence</h3>
<p class="vg-articleBody__Paragraph-sc-1payatl-2 eMPlQv">Recognizing the potential signs of an abusive relationship can be key to intervention and prevention:</p>
<table class="wp-block-table">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Signs of Abuse</th>
<th>Behavioral Indicators</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Isolation from family and friends</td>
<td>Limited communication and social interactions</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Extreme jealousy or possessiveness</td>
<td>Frequent questioning about whereabouts and activities</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fear of the partner</td>
<td>High anxiety and avoidance of conflict</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Control over personal life</td>
<td>Withholding finances, transportation or communication</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>The Role of Advocacy and Community Support</h2>
<p class="vg-articleBody__Paragraph-sc-1payatl-2 eMPlQv">Viviana's unfortunate situation emphasizes the urgent need for community engagement in combating domestic violence. Advocacy for stronger laws, preventive measures, and better support systems for victims must gain momentum.</p>
<h3>Ways the Community Can Help</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Raise Awareness:</strong> Organize workshops to educate the community about recognizing and responding to domestic violence.</li>
<li><strong>Support Local Organizations:</strong> Donate to or volunteer for local organizations dedicated to helping victims of abuse.</li>
<li><strong>Engagement in Legal Advocacy:</strong> Advocate for policy changes and improved judicial procedures to protect vulnerable individuals.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p class="vg-articleBody__Paragraph-sc-1payatl-2 eMPlQv">The story of Viviana Díaz Castro serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of gender violence and the failure of systems meant to protect victims. As she continues to battle for her life, it is crucial for society to reflect on the circumstances surrounding such tragic events and to take collective action toward ensuring safety and justice for all.</p>In this article, I’ve ensured a comprehensive overview of Viviana Díaz Castro’s situation, the background of her partner, the attack details, and recommendations for community action against domestic violence, while maintaining SEO best practices.
