URUGUAY PRESENTS THE 2025 ANNUAL RESULTS OF THE VICTIMIZATION MODULE IN THE ECH
Key Findings
Uruguay’s National Institute of Statistics (INE) released the 2025 annual results of the Victimization and Safety Module included in the Continuous Household Survey (ECH), marking the first time the country has compiled a full year’s worth of data. This initiative began in 2024 and serves to strengthen the ongoing monitoring of crime trends based on the public’s experiences
The results show that, on a monthly average throughout 2025, 40% of the population feels unsafe or very unsafe walking alone in their neighborhood at night, with levels remaining similar to those observed in recent surveys. Significant differences are identified among population groups: women report higher levels of insecurity (nearly 49%) compared to men, as do older adults and lower-income households. Additionally, Montevideo has higher levels of perceived insecurity compared to the rest of the country.
In terms of victimization, an average of 59,800 incidents per month are estimated, of which thefts account for approximately two-thirds (40,300), while fraud incidents total 19,500 per month. A significant proportion of these incidents affect households, highlighting the importance of analyzing victimization at both the individual and household levels.
With regard to crime-related violence, it is estimated that 9,900 robberies per month involved violence, accounting for approximately 24.6% of all robberies. This phenomenon is concentrated primarily in crimes that directly affect individuals, with more than half of all robberies involving some form of violence.
Meanwhile, the monthly prevalence of victimization stood at 4.0% for households and 2.8% for individuals, indicating that approximately four out of every 100 households and three out of every 100 individuals experienced at least one crime during an average month of the year.
The semi-annual analysis shows a downward trend in the incidence and prevalence of victimization between 2024 and 2025, accompanied by a relatively stable perception of safety, suggesting progress in the country’s recent crime dynamics.
Background, Scope, and Methodology
The Victimization Module of the Continuous Household Survey (ECH) is the result of a joint effort by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) and the Ministry of the Interior of Uruguay, with technical assistance from the UNODC-INEGI Center of Excellence. Its design aligns with the Initiative for the Crime Victimization Survey in Latin America and the Caribbean (VICLAC), ensuring international comparability and compliance with methodological standards.
The module collects information on experiences of victimization and perceptions of safety, with a reference period limited to the month preceding the interview, enabling the generation of robust indicators of incidence, prevalence, reporting, and perceptions of safety. The survey focuses on thefts and fraud, distinguishing between crimes that affect households and those that directly affect individuals.
Furthermore, the survey captures both reported and unreported crimes, which complements administrative statistics and provides a more comprehensive view of crime from the perspective of citizens.
The 2025 annual analysis represents a significant step forward in the consolidation of this statistical initiative, as it provides a comprehensive overview of trends in victimization and safety in the country. The continuation of semi-annual and annual data collection will strengthen monitoring of Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, as well as the design of evidence-based public policies.
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