Over Half of Salvador's Public Schools Affected by Shootouts
A recent study found that more than half of Salvador's public schools were affected by shootouts, with some schools experiencing over 40 days of disruptions.
The city of Salvador has been plagued by violence, with a recent study revealing that over half of its public schools were affected by shootouts in 2025. The study, conducted by the Instituto Fogo Cruzado, found that 339 schools experienced more than 10 days of disruptions due to shootouts, while 133 schools had between 10 and 20 days of disruptions.
## Impact on Schools The study analyzed data from 600 municipal and state schools in Salvador, finding that only 12 schools were not affected by shootouts. The majority of schools, 339, experienced more than 10 days of disruptions, with 180 schools having between 21 and 40 days of disruptions. One school was particularly affected, with shootouts occurring on 55 days, which is equivalent to 27.5% of the 200 days of classes per year.
## Causes of Shootouts The study found that the majority of shootouts, 37.4%, were caused by police interventions, followed by homicides or attempted homicides, which accounted for 32% of the cases. Other causes included robberies, disputes between armed groups, and unknown motivations. The study's director, Maria Isabel Couto, emphasized that the state needs to guarantee the safety of the population without putting education at risk.
## Disparities in Affected Schools The study also highlighted the disparities in the affected schools, with those located in areas with lower incomes and higher proportions of non-white populations being more likely to experience shootouts. In six schools classified as having a persistent critical situation, the average income in the surrounding area ranged from R$ 594.10 to R$ 702.59, and the non-white population ranged from 87.4% to 91.2%. Couto stressed that these occurrences further disadvantage already vulnerable students, as exposure to violence in the school environment is associated with additional losses in performance and school attendance.
## Response from Authorities The government of Bahia responded to the study, stating that investments in new technologies and intelligence work have reduced violent deaths and confrontations in 2026. The Secretaria de Educação da Bahia also informed that the state's schools are safe and welcoming spaces, where students' safety and nutrition are guaranteed. However, the study's findings suggest that more needs to be done to address the issue of violence in schools and its impact on students' education and well-being.
| School Type | Number of Schools | Days Affected by Shootouts | | --- | --- | --- | | Not affected | 12 | 0 | | Less than 10 days | 249 | < 10 | | 10-20 days | 133 | 10-20 | | 21-40 days | 180 | 21-40 | | More than 40 days | 26 | > 40 |
The study's findings have significant implications for the education system in Salvador, highlighting the need for urgent action to address the issue of violence in schools and ensure that students can learn in a safe and supportive environment.
