Female homicides in the state of Maranhão, Brazil, 2000-2019: an ecological study

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the profile and temporal trends of female homicides in Maranhão, Brazil, between 2000 and 2019. METHODS: This was an ecological study using data from the Mortality Information System. The profile of the deaths, mortality rate trends (joinpoint method) and correlation with socioeconomic and health indicators (Pearson correlation) were evaluated. RESULTS: 1,915 female homicides were reported, with predominance among those between 20-29 years old (29.9%), single (62.0%), with 4-7 years schooling (29.7%), mixed race (71.3%), homicides at home (31.9%) and by firearms (41.1%). The mortality rate showed a rising trend (APC = +8.21; 95%CI 5.18;10.28). There was negative correlation between homicides and per capita income (p-value = 0.031) and positive correlation with the proportion of families headed by women (p-value = 0.001) and with the rate of male mortality due to assault (p-value = 0.001). CONCLUSION: There was an increase in female homicides, related to structural violence in society, poverty and women with greater family authority.