CRIMINAL RECORDS OF VIOLENCE INVOLVING VENEZUELANS IN NORTH BRAZIL

Abstract

Introduction: Refugee crisis is a problem faced worldwide. The large borders with neighbouring countries make Brazil a potential destination for most of those seeking for a new life in South America. Venezuela currently fights the worst humanitarian crisis in the history of the country, and migration to Brazil emerges as an option. Living in border regions, these people are more susceptible to violence. Objective: This study aimed to revisit the medico-legal records of a city in North Brazil to calculate rates of Venezuelans involved in situations of violence. Material and methods: Medico-legal records of the city of Pacaraima, Roraima, Brazil, dated from 2013 and 2018, were revisited. The nationality of victims and perpetrators of violent actions were noted as well as the type of crime. Results: In 2013 (n = 86, 39.3%) and 2018 (n = 133, 60.7%), 219 forensic records were documented. Venezuelans were involved in 63 forensic reports (28.7%) – one in 2013 and 62 in 2018. Most of the reports were related to bodily integrity investigations (n = 169, 77.2%). Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of building-up social strategies to support Venezuelans and Brazilians living in the city of Pacaraima, as the number of forensic reports increased 54.7% from 2013 to 2018. This data might reflect the increase of violence in the border region, in which Venezuelans and Brazilians may figure as victims and perpetrators.