Collective action and data drive the conversation about violence prevention in Puerto Rico

Experts analyzed statistics showing over 30 million controlled substance dispensations to nearly 2 million unique patients in Puerto Rico since 2019

The Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics hosted the symposium "Collective Action for Violence Prevention: Transforming Realities Through Prevention and Collective Action," a gathering that brought together researchers, public health professionals, justice system representatives, community organizations, and government officials to analyze trends, risk factors, and strategies aimed at preventing violence in Puerto Rico.

During the event, presentations and panels were held, including "Current Landscape of Violence Among Infants and Youth: Data and Trends," "Public Policy and Substance Use Prevention: Where Are We and Where Are We Going?," and "Multi-sectoral Action for the Protection of Women and the Eradication of Sexual Violence," all of which addressed various factors contributing to violence and opportunities for its prevention through multi-sector collaboration.

Among the data presented during the symposium, it was highlighted that since 2019, over 30 million controlled substance dispensations have been recorded for nearly 2 million unique patients in Puerto Rico. Participants also discussed statistics related to homicides, gun violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance use prevention, as well as early intervention strategies and community action.

In the panel on substance use prevention, it was highlighted that benzodiazepines currently account for 66.2% of controlled substance dispensations in Puerto Rico, while opioids make up 15.9%. Furthermore, the recorded growth in prescribed fentanyl dispensations was discussed, as well as the role of the Controlled Substance Monitoring Program (PDMP) as a tool to promote responsible prescribing, strengthen prevention, and support informed decision-making in the healthcare system.

Presentations on violence among infants and youth revealed that between 2017 and 2024, 4,813 homicides were reported in Puerto Rico, and 92.3% of the victims were men. Experts also highlighted that firearm homicides are the leading cause of death among youth aged 1 to 19 in Puerto Rico. It was also reported that 54% of homicides among men aged 15 to 44 are related to manifestations of collective violence, including organized crime and drug trafficking.

Meanwhile, the panel on the protection of women and the eradication of sexual violence presented statistics showing that during 2024 and 2025, the Puerto Rico Police investigated 17,695 incidents of domestic violence. Furthermore, it was highlighted that, according to the Risk Assessment Form, one in four female complainants evaluated during the second half of 2024 faced an imminent risk of death, and nearly one in five had survived a non-fatal strangulation episode, one of the main indicators associated with the risk of femicide.

Participating experts agreed that many manifestations of violence are rooted in adverse childhood experiences, including abuse, emotional neglect, and early exposure to trauma. They also emphasized the importance of strengthening early interventions, mentorship, community programs, and coordination among health, education, security, and justice systems to address the causes of violence before it occurs.

"This symposium reaffirms the importance of using data to better understand the challenges we face as a society and to guide concrete prevention actions. Violence cannot be addressed by a single sector. It requires collaboration, evidence, and the commitment of multiple stakeholders to identify its causes, intervene promptly, and protect our communities," said Dr. Orville M. Disdier, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics.

Press Release

The results of the fifth edition of the Survey on the Adoption of Broadband Technology in Companies in Puerto Rico are available

76% of businesses make sales or receive payments through online transactions.

76% of businesses make sales or receive payments through online transactions, the main sector in this regard being wholesalers and warehousing businesses, of which 86% carry out transactions through these means. This is based on data published in the fifth edition of the Puerto Rico Business Broadband Technology Adoption Survey (2019); this survey was conducted by the Puerto Rico Statistics Institute (Institute) in collaboration with the non-profit organization Connect Puerto Rico. This product includes statistics related to the availability, access and use of information technologies and broadband Internet in companies in Puerto Rico. The data were obtained through telephone surveys conducted with nearly 800 local companies.

“Having data, such as those provided by this type of survey, helps to know the availability and limitations of access to this technology in the economic sector. In the same way, it allows us to know the indicators on electronic commerce in Puerto Rico,” said Francisco Pesante, Assistant for Statistical Projects at the Institute.

From the 2019 edition of the Survey on the Adoption of Broadband Technology in Companies in Puerto Rico, the following findings are highlighted:

• 93% of the companies surveyed reported using the Internet for their operations.
• 99% of establishments dedicated to the financial and professional services sector reported using the Internet for their operations.
• 87% of establishments reported using broadband Internet to conduct their businesses.
• 77% of the establishments surveyed reported that their bandwidth is adequate to meet their needs.
• 70% of retail establishments reported using social networks such as Facebook or Twitter.
• The main activities of commercial establishments, in which the use of the Internet is involved, are:
  • Communicate with your customers (76%)
  • Billing and collection (73%)
  • Purchases of goods and services (71%)

• 47% of the establishments surveyed are owned by a woman or a woman is one of the owners, if there are co-owners.

The acting executive director of the Institute of Statistics, Dr. Orville M. Disdier said that “At the Institute of Statistics, we are pleased to collaborate in the collection of data that serve as indicators for economic sectors. According to our vision, we work to guarantee Puerto Rico that it has complete, reliable statistics, and quick and universal access.”

Some of the findings of the report are summarized in the visualization accessible through the following link: https://tabsoft.co/32ZXdM3.

For more information about this survey, as well as previous surveys, interested individuals can access: https://cutt.ly/ieue8ZY. To learn about the data sets you can visit: https://cutt.ly/Neue4hy.

To learn more about the Institute of Statistics, you can access the website: www.estadisticas.pr.gov. On social media through Facebook accounts (@statistics.pr), Twitter (@EstadisticasPR) and LinkedIn (Institute of Statistics of Puerto Rico).

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Contacts:

Idia M. Martinez, R-28

787-603-3200

Lourdes Burgos, R-27

787-562-2932

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‍Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics to present new data on migration

In a specialized webinar today, April 30, 2026

At a time when migration continues to influence Puerto Rico's economy, demography and public planning, the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics announced the holding of the webinar ”2023—2024 Migrant Profile”, which will present the most recent findings on population movements between Puerto Rico and the rest of the United States.

The event will be held this Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., in virtual mode, and will offer an updated analysis of changes in migratory patterns, as well as the sociodemographic characteristics of people who migrate and return to Puerto Rico. The activity is free of charge but requires registration at: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2574211161276128093.

The session will be led by Alberto L. VelázquezEstrada, Senior Manager of Statistical Projects at the Institute, who will present data on variables such as age, educational level, income and mobility trends. In addition, essential methodological aspects for the study of migration will be discussed both in Puerto Rico and in other jurisdictions of the United States.

The analysis is based on statistical products such as the Migrant Profile, which integrate information from official sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau Community Survey, and other population mobility metrics.

Velázquez highlighted that this type of analysis is key to understanding the impact of migration in areas such as the labor market, government planning and economic development, as well as for guiding decision-making based on data. “This webinar is part of the Institute's Academies and Workshops program, an initiative that seeks to strengthen access and use of reliable statistics among professionals, researchers, students and the general public,” said Velázquez.

To learn more about the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics, you can access www.estadisticas.pr.gov or follow their social networks: Facebook (@estadisticas .pr), X (@EstadisticasPR), Instagram (@institutodeestadisticas) and LinkedIn (Institute of Statistics of Puerto Rico).