Abstract

DUQUE, Luis Fernando; MONTOYA, Nilton Edu  and  RESTREPO, María Vilma. Magnitude and distribution of different forms of violence in Medellín, 2003-2004. Rev. Fac. Nac. Salud Pública [online]. 2006, vol.24, n.2, pp.51-60. ISSN 0120-386X.

Objective: to estimate magnitude and distribution of being a victim, a witness or an aggressor in several types of violence in Medellin, Colombia. Materials and methods: cross-sectional study in a representative sample (2,500) of individuals between 12 to 60 years old. Data were collected through household interviews during the last months of 2003 and first trimester of 2004. Results: men informed higher proportions of being victims, witnesses or aggressors than women, except for being a non armed aggressor, victim of forced displacement or sexual assault. Victims per aggressor figure increases as violence is more severe. More than 75% of interviewees have witnessed severe threats and armed assault during their life time, around 40% reported being victims of severe threats, robbery and armed assault, and 6% reported being victims of sexual violence. Highest victimization was reported by young people under 18 years old (legally minors). 10% of legally minors and 7% of individuals between 18 to 35 years old have committed robbery and 4% of those between 18 to 54 years old have committed armed assault. Around 25% perceives that there are fights among neighbors or gangs and robberies in their own neighborhoods. Probability of being an aggressor, victim or witness is estimated for each of the 16 Medellin urban areas.

Keywords : Violence; aggressors; victims; witnesses; verbal aggression; fraud; swindle; threats; physical aggression; armed assault; robbery; rape; Medellin, Colombia.

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