Doralba Graciano Borja, a 40-year-old woman , was the victim of an attempt at femicide at the Caracolí shopping center in Floridablanca, Santander , on Friday afternoon, September 5. The attack, perpetrated by her ex-partner , highlighted the ongoing issue of gender violence in the region.
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The incident occurred on the fifth floor of the mall, a busy and family-friendly space. According to police reports and testimonies, Graciano Borja was in the establishment when she recognized her aggressor, Oriel Trujillo Martínez , 44, who had threatened her in the past . Upon attempting to escape, she was intercepted by Trujillo Martínez, who, without any warning, attacked her with a knife , delivering a deep wound in her abdomen.
Witnesses indicated that Trujillo Martínez had been harassing Graciano Borja leading up to the attack. After injuring her, he fled the scene, descending in the elevator and crossing the parking lot.
The severity of the incident prompted immediate action from bystanders and the mall’s security personnel, who activated emergency protocols to prioritize the victim’s care . She was swiftly transported to the International Hospital of Colombia where she underwent emergency surgery . The knife wound impacted two vital organs, resulting in two cardiorespiratory arrests. Fortunately, the medical team was able to stabilize her condition, but she was placed in the Intensive Care Unit for further observation and treatment. In addition to medical care, Graciano Borja received psychosocial support in line with the Route of Attention to Victims of Gender Violence .
The public nature of the assault incited outrage and fear among shoppers and visitors . The administration of the Caracolí Shopping Center issued a statement expressing their strong disapproval of the incident, stressing that “the incident occurred quickly and suddenly,” and that their security team reacted with immediacy . They emphasized their commitment to the safety and well-being of their patrons, pledging to cooperate fully with authorities in the investigation. Community and feminist groups voiced their worries regarding the frequency of such incidents and demanded stringent actions to ensure the protection of women and justice for victims.
The National Police , through the Purple Patrol , has activated a protection and accompaniment route for the victim under the Women, Family, and Gender Strategy . Authorities have identified the attacker, Oriel Trujillo Martínez, who reportedly has a criminal record related to illegal activities in Bucarica.
Although Trujillo Martínez managed to escape, the Bucaramanga Metropolitan Police has stated that investigations are underway to locate him and that an arrest warrant for attempted feminicide is expected to be issued imminently. This incident adds to a troubling trend of gender-based violence in Santander, echoing previous cases such as a recent stabbing by a local cumbia singer against his partner. The rising statistics surrounding gender violence continue to alarm civil society, prompting calls for stronger protective measures and accountability for aggressors.
In response to this alarming trend, the National Police has rolled out a comprehensive strategy aimed at the protection of women and families. This involves training to recognize various types of violence, as outlined in Law 1257 of 2008 , which covers physical, psychological, economic, and sexual violence. The objective is to empower both women and the community to identify warning signs in order to report incidents promptly.