Homicides among children and young adults--Puerto Rico, 1999-2003

Interpersonal violence causes substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide and poses a considerable economic burden, equivalent to 4%-5% of the gross national product in certain countries. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory with a 2004 population of approximately 3.9 million. In Puerto Rico, homicides were the 12th leading cause of death overall in 2003, ranking fifth among males and 15th among females. This report summarizes an analysis of death certificate data on violent deaths of children and young adults in Puerto Rico during 1999-2003, which determined that 93% of homicide victims aged <30 years were young males, the most common method of homicide was assault by firearm discharge, and the rate of homicide among males aged 25-29 years increased during the period. To address this problem, the Puerto Rican government has initiated a comprehensive strategy that includes enhancing an integrated surveillance system for fatal and nonfatal assault, supporting research on interpersonal violence, and establishing local prevention programs (e.g., violence prevention curricula in selected schools).