GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Guatemala Violence Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: Guatemala Violence Statistics

  • In 2018, nearly 300 women were killed due to violence in Guatemala.
  • Over 5,000 cases of violence against women were reported in 2020 in Guatemala.
  • In 2021, 7 women a day are victims of violence in Guatemala.
  • Guatemala reported close to 57,000 cases of violence against women in 2019.
  • Guatemala City accounts for 44% of all acts of violence against women in the country.
  • Guatemala ranks 26th in the world for homicides, with a rate per 100,000 people of 22.45.
  • Almost 35% of Guatemalan children aged 2-14 experience severe physical punishment.
  • In 2019, there were 487 youth gangs active in Guatemala City.
  • From January to August 2020, there were 1,541 reports of violence against children in Guatemala.
  • In 2014, gangs in Guatemala were responsible for about 40% of all homicides.
  • Over 60% of victims of violent death in Guatemala from 2000 - 2017 were men aged between 20 - 49.
  • The homicide rate in Guatemala in 2021 is approximately 15 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants.
  • 30% of women in Guatemala report experiencing physical violence from an intimate partner.
  • In 2017, up to 700 criminal groups were operating in Guatemala.
  • In 2018, 3,881 murders were recorded across the nation of Guatemala.
  • Approximately 6,000 Guatemalan children are victims of violence and abuse each year.

Table of Contents

Welcome to our comprehensive exploration of Guatemala Violence Statistics. A country shrouded in beauty, Guatemala is unfortunately also grappling with a significant challenge: violence. Here, through the lens of professional statistical analysis, we will delve deeper to understand the extent of this issue. We’ll dissect and interpret figures, trends, and patterns, both current and historical, pertaining to crime rates, incidences of interpersonal violence, and other forms of aggression within this Central American country. Our mission is to foster deeper insight and awareness, which we believe to be the essential initial steps towards meaningful change.

The Latest Guatemala Violence Statistics Unveiled

In 2018, nearly 300 women were killed due to violence in Guatemala.

Highlighting the statistic of nearly 300 women violently murdered in Guatemala in 2018 provides a chilling snapshot of the depth and breadth of the violence problem within the country. This solitary figure, while heartbreaking on its own, holds up a mirror to the systemic issues plaguing Guatemala that aren’t necessarily limited to just violence. In painting the grim picture of the country’s situation, this statistic also underscores the desperate need for drastic changes and interventions. As such, in the narrative of Guatemalan violence statistics, this one detail works not just as a mere record, but as an imperative call to action.

Over 5,000 cases of violence against women were reported in 2020 in Guatemala.

Honing in on Guatemala’s darker side, we spot a chilling revelation in the sea of numbers, where over 5,000 women found themselves at the receiving end of violence in 2020 alone. Such a statistic does not merely stand as a detached figure; rather, it paints a vivid picture of the depth and scale of gender-based violence penetrating through the heart of Guatemalan society. In a blog post shedding light on Guatemala’s violence statistics, this unsettling data prompts us to question and examine societal norms, security systems and regulatory frameworks, and propels us towards the urgent call for stronger measures to safeguard the lives and dignity of Guatemalan women.

In 2021, 7 women a day are victims of violence in Guatemala.

Highlighting the statistic that indicates “in 2021, 7 women a day are victims of violence in Guatemala,” underlines a relentless pattern of aggression that cannot be ignored in a discussion about Guatemala’s violence statistics. This chilling figure not only reveals the daily fear and insecurity threatening Guatemalan women, but also serves as a stark reminder of the urgent call to action required. It is a call to mend legal, societal, and cultural gaps, to safeguard women’s rights, as well as a plea to change the narrative surrounding violence in Guatemala. Ultimately, it conveys the distressing reality of gender-based violence and greatly contributes to the overarching dialogue on national safety, human rights, and gender equality.

Guatemala reported close to 57,000 cases of violence against women in 2019.

Painting a stark and sobering portrait of the grave social issue endemic to the Guatemalan society, the staggering statistic of nearly 57,000 instances of violence against women in 2019 indubitably stands out. Vividly attesting to the entrenched and pervasive nature of gender-based violence in the Central American nation, this singular figure dramatically underscores the urgent need for both intensified intervention and concerted domestic as well as international advocacy. This quantitative detail thereby enriches our blog post on Guatemala violence statistics, adding a vivid layer of human reality to the overarching narrative of social violence in the country.

Guatemala City accounts for 44% of all acts of violence against women in the country.

Echoing ominously within the stark narrative of Guatemala’s violence statistics, the chilling fact that 44% of all acts of violence against women occur in Guatemala City acts as an unflinching indicator of the deeply entrenched gender-based violent trends prevalent in this urban heartland. This alarming percentage not only confines Guatemala’s capital as a beacon of gender inequality and danger but it also amplifies the stark disparity in the safety and security of women compared to other parts of the country. Within a discussion on violence in this Central American nation, this statistic underscores the urgent need to address the embedded culture of violence against women, starting with its prime hotspot – Guatemala City.

Guatemala ranks 26th in the world for homicides, with a rate per 100,000 people of 22.45.

As we unravel the narrative of violence in Guatemala through this blog post, the startling position of this nation as the 26th worldwide in terms of homicide rates forms a pivotal element of our discussion. A rate of 22.45 homicides per 100,000 people not only underscores the reality of prevalent criminal activity, but it also paints a grim portrait of the security landscape in the country. This statistic becomes integral, serving as a measure to understand the severity of the situation, compare it against a global standard, and thus highlighting the urgency of implementing effective violence prevention strategies.

Almost 35% of Guatemalan children aged 2-14 experience severe physical punishment.

Delving into the shocking panorama of violence in Guatemala, consider the haunting figure that nearly 35% of Guatemalan children aged between 2 to 14 years old endure severe physical punishment. This chilling figure, casting long and ominous shadows over the country’s society, provides a stark illustration of the deeply rooted normalization of violence starting from early childhood. Not only does this monumental figure reflect a traumatic childhood experience, but it also indicates a potential perpetuation of violence into future generations, thereby creating a devastating cycle of brutality. Thus, this statistic offers a poignant premise to comprehend the pervasive culture of violence in Guatemala, framing a critical platform for discussion, intervention strategies, and policy reformation.

In 2019, there were 487 youth gangs active in Guatemala City.

Painting a troubling picture of Guatemala’s safety climate, the statistic denoting 487 active youth gangs in Guatemala City in 2019 serves as a stark indicator of escalating violence in the region. This figure not only represents the root of many organized crime activities, but it also underscores the vulnerability of Guatemalan youth, coerced into a vicious cycle of crime and violence. As such, this fact, prevalent in the narrative of Guatemala’s violence statistics, substantiates the magnitude of community unrest, illustrating a profound societal issue that demands immediate attention from lawmakers, law enforcement, and public safety advocates alike.

From January to August 2020, there were 1,541 reports of violence against children in Guatemala.

In the landscape of Guatemala violence statistics, the unnerving figure of 1,541 reports of violence against children registered from January to August 2020 serves as a stark reminder of the country’s precarious safety conditions. The magnitude of this data point resonates through the societal fabric, illustrating the onslaught faced by the most vulnerable demographic – children. It underscores the pervasive issue of violence that unfortunately thrives in the nation, acting as a critical call to action for concerted interventions from governmental institutions, NGOs, and the international community, aimed at the protection and promotion of children’s rights. This statistic sheds light on a painful crisis, reaffirming the necessity for persistent efforts towards the eradication of violence in Guatemala.

In 2014, gangs in Guatemala were responsible for about 40% of all homicides.

Highlighting that gangs in Guatemala were responsible for roughly 40% of all homicides in 2014, sets a chilling tone to the dark side of this Central American nation in our blog post about Guatemala Violence Statistics. As distressing as these numbers are, they provide insightful context to the severity of gang-related violence and are a compelling testament to the urgency for societal reform. This figure raises alarm, instigating questions about law enforcement effectiveness, shedding light on the grip gangs have over larger societal structures, and unveiling layers of crime dynamics that otherwise might be overlooked in conventional violence discussion.

Over 60% of victims of violent death in Guatemala from 2000 – 2017 were men aged between 20 – 49.

Peeling back layers of the grim reality scape, the grim statistic highlighting that over 60% of violent death victims in Guatemala from 2000 – 2017 were men aged 20-49 provides profound insights. It underscores the alarmingly high risk faced by younger adult males in the society, unveiling the jittering violence landscape that claws at the resilience of Guatemala’s demographically dominant group. This stark figure punctuates the narrative on Guatemala’s violence statistics, casting a harsh light not just on the sheer numbers but also on the brunt borne by a specific age and gender demographic, and subsequently drives home the pressing need for targeted interventions, policies, and societal dialogues.

The homicide rate in Guatemala in 2021 is approximately 15 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants.

Highlighting the 2021 homicide rate in Guatemala provides an eye-opening reflection on the country’s current status regarding violent crime, regardless of strides made in other social areas. By expressing the rate as 15 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, it resonates more personally with the reader, demonstrating the concrete and direct impacts on a sizable portion of the country’s population. It underscores the urgency and importance of further tackling criminal activities and strengthening security measures, serving as an essential reference point for conversations about public safety, crime prevention strategies, and the overall quality of life in Guatemala.

30% of women in Guatemala report experiencing physical violence from an intimate partner.

Highlighting a figure as alarming as ‘30% of Guatemalan women experiencing physical violence from an intimate partner’ serves as a stark illumination of the grave scenario of domestic violence in Guatemala. In the patchwork of Guatemala violence statistics presented in the blog post, this particular stat underscores the deeply-rooted patriarchal norms and systemic gender inequality prevalent in the society. More importantly, it brings into focus the intimate space—an area often overlooked in general discussions about violence—emphasizing that homes, the very places that should promise safety, are often the settings for such brutal acts of violence. Thus, attention to this statistic is crucial; fostering a constructive dialogue towards legislative and societal changes, and galvanizing global attention and initiatives to rectify the situation.

In 2017, up to 700 criminal groups were operating in Guatemala.

Highlighting that in 2017 there were as many as 700 active criminal groups in Guatemala underscores the severity of the violence problem in this Central American nation. As a central focus in a blog post about Guatemala violence statistics, it not only reveals the intricate, formidable state of organized crime, but also illustrates the complex challenge facing law enforcement and government agencies. In grappling with such a substantial number of criminal entities, the nation grapples with widespread fear and insecurity. This key statistic serves as a stark numerical portrayal of the severity and scale of violence in Guatemala, setting the stage for further exploration in the blog post.

In 2018, 3,881 murders were recorded across the nation of Guatemala.

“Painting a chilling picture of escalating violence, the grim statistic of 3,881 murders recorded in Guatemala during 2018 sets a somber tone. This unsettling figure not only reflects the pervasive threat to life in Guatemala, but also attests to the country’s escalating crime rates and the overwhelming challenge it presents to its law enforcement. Through this stark number, readers are awakened to the desperate need for systemic solutions to quell the mounting violence, making it a key piece of understanding the true depth of Guatemala’s safety crisis, contextually potent in a blog post delving into the country’s violence statistics.”

Approximately 6,000 Guatemalan children are victims of violence and abuse each year.

In a blog post dedicated to the grim tableau of violence statistics in Guatemala, the harrowing figure of approximately 6,000 children falling victim to abuse each year, serves as one of the most poignant indicators of a pervasive societal crisis. This chilling number not only illuminates the immense vulnerability and violation endured by the nation’s youngest citizens, it also portends to a future where generations are growing up steeped in violence, potentially perpetuating a cycle of harm. Equally alarming, it underscores the urgent need for substantive interventions to protect children, rehabilitate victims and enact measures for violence prevention.

Conclusion

Based on the recent analysis of violence statistics in Guatemala, there is a clear indication that the nation grapples with high levels of crime and violence, sadly often linked to gang activity and drug trafficking. Despite some efforts by the government and international bodies, the rates of homicides, assaults, and other forms of violence remain alarmingly high, posing a significant challenge to national security and individuals’ well-being. It is critical that further strategies are implemented to address the root causes of this crisis to achieve sustained peace and security in Guatemala.

References

0. – https://www.www.cia.gov

1. – https://www.www.savethechildren.org

2. – https://www.www.hopeforjustice.org

3. – https://www.www.medicosdelmundo.org

4. – https://www.www.unwomen.org

5. – https://www.www.paho.org

6. – https://www.www.hrw.org

7. – https://www.www.theguardian.com

8. – https://www.www.telesurenglish.net

9. – https://www.worldpopulationreview.com

10. – https://www.data.unicef.org

11. – https://www.www.insightcrime.org

12. – https://www.reliefweb.int

13. – https://www.data.worldbank.org

FAQs

What is the current homicide rate in Guatemala?

The homicide rate in Guatemala has significantly decreased in recent years. As of 2020, it stands at about 15 homicides per 100,000 residents. However, these rates can vary greatly depending on the region.

Is gang-related violence a major issue in Guatemala?

Yes, gang-related crimes are a significant issue in Guatemala. Gangs like "Mara Salvatrucha" (MS-13) and "Barrio 18" are involved in various violent crimes ranging from homicide to extortion, significantly contributing to the overall rate of violence.

Which areas are most affected by violence in Guatemala?

Urban areas, particularly in and around Guatemala City, tend to have the highest rates of violent crime. Additional regions severely affected include the Petén, Izabal, and Alta Verapaz departments.

How has overall violence in Guatemala changed over the years?

Overall, violence in Guatemala has decreased over the years. The homicide rate, for instance, has fallen rather significantly in the last decade. However, the country still faces problems with gang violence, corruption, and drug trafficking.

What does the violence in Guatemala mean for migrants and refugees?

High levels of violence in Guatemala are a key factor pushing Guatemalans to migrate or seek refuge in other countries, primarily the United States. The U.S. often receives asylum requests based on the claim of fleeing from gang violence in Guatemala.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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