OBJECTIVETo evaluate the risk of homicide in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas, taking into
account the territorial disputes taking place in the city.METHODSThe study is based on data on mortality from homicide in the city of Rio de
Janeiro between 2006 and 2009. Risks in favelas and in surrounding areas
were evaluated, as was the domination of armed groups and drug dealing.
Geographic and ethnographic concepts and methods were employed, using
participant observation, interviews and analysis of secondary data on
health.RESULTSWithin the favelas, mortality rates from homicide were equivalent to, or
lower than, the rest of the city, although they were considerably higher in
areas surrounding the favelas, especially in areas where there was conflict
between armed rival gangs.CONCLUSIONSThe presence of trafficking crews and turf war in strategic areas of the city
increases homicide rates and promotes the “ecology of danger” in these
areas.