Distribution of homicides and production of space in a racially divided city

Recife is one of the most violent and unequal cities in Brazil, especially when it comes to murders. This article aims to analyze the effects of the production of a racially divided city on the distribution of homicides in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. This cross-sectional, ecological study was conducted in Recife, the capital of the state of Pernambuco, from 2012 to 2021, and the population was victims of homicides caused by firearms. For the analyses, the study period was divided into two five-year periods. The determination of racism was observed in the profile of the victims: male (95%), Black (86%), young (67%), and with low schooling (78%). The spatial analysis showed points of highest incidence of murders in Recife, census tracts with statistically significant highest risk in the city in 2012-2016 (RR=5.7; p=0.031) and 2017-2021 (RR=1.8; p=0.032), protection 2012-2016 (RR=0.3; p=0.001; RR=0.006; p=0.014) and 2017-2021 (RR=0.1; p=0.001; RR=0.1; p=0.001), and the highest incidence of homicides in territories with the highest Social Deprivation Index (SDI).