 The structure of Dominican society was hierarchical , with strongly gendered roles . Rafael Trujillo , the ruler , was a cruel dictator who haunts the people of Santo Domingo even 35 years after his death . He is a true <unk> , ruling with brutality and corruption . He creates a personality cult in his capitalist society and encourages <unk> within his regime . Prior to promotion to a position of responsibility , an officer is required to pass a " test of loyalty " . His people are to remain loyal to him all cost , and are periodically tested by public humiliation and <unk> even though acts of <unk> were rare . Trujillo <unk> women and children as an expression of political and sexual power , and in some cases takes the wife or child of his lieutenants , many of whom still remain <unk> loyal . Even the church and military institutions are employed to give women to the <unk> for pleasure . 
