Salvador schools face high risk from armed violence, study finds

A study conducted by the Instituto Fogo Cruzado (IFC) and the Iniciativa Negra reveals that armed violence significantly impacts schools in Salvador, Brazil. Between 2023 and 2025, 3,748 gunshots were recorded near analyzed educational units, averaging 3.4 occurrences per day. Notably, 59% of these shots (2,206) occurred on school days, and 40% took place during daylight hours, coinciding with student arrival, departure, and recess.

The research highlights a profound socioeconomic and racial disparity. Most shootings are concentrated in eight neighborhoods where the non-white population exceeds 83% and average per capita income is often below R$ 900. Areas such as Beiru/Tancredo Neves, Pernambués, and Lobato were identified as highly affected.

In terms of causality, nearly 70% of incidents on school days are linked to police interventions (37.4%) or homicides and attempted homicides (32%). The study also notes that in 2025, at least 133 schools experienced disruptions of 10 to 20 school days due to armed conflicts in their neighborhoods.