Male deaths from violent causes remains high in Brazil

Vitor Abdala

Repórter da Agência Brasil

Rio - Although the number of men in Brazil who died violent deaths between 2002 and 2004 fell, it still remains high, according to a study of official demographic statisitics (Estatísticas do Registro Civil) which was just released by the government statistical bureau (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística) (IBGE). According to the study, 15.74% of total male deaths in 2004 were caused by accidents, homicide or suicide. Em 2002, that number was 16.17%.

The states with the highest levels of violent deaths are Roraima (32.8%), Rondonia (27.5%) and Mato Grosso (23.2%). The states with the lowest rates of violent deaths are Amazonas (6%) and Piaui (8.2%).

The IBGE reports that among male youths between 15 and 24 years of age the rate of violent deaths rises sharply to 68%. In Rio de Janeiro the rate is 225 violent deaths per 100,000 inhabitants.

For women in general, the rate of violent death is less than 5%, but for the age group between 15 and 24, it rises to 33.8%.

Translation: Allen Bennett