Exploratory Analysis and Clustering of Microdata on Lethal Violence Events in Ecuador: 2020-2024

The analysis of homicides between 2020 and 2024 reveals three territorial profiles. Using k-means, we can distinguish between cantons with very high levels of armed violence on the coast, moderate levels in the highlands and Amazon region, and low levels in rural areas. With DBSCAN, in addition to the main groups, atypical cantons with critical rates emerge, such as Olmedo, Pueblo Viejo, and La Troncal, considered extreme hotspots that require differentiated attention. Overall, the results show that violence is concentrated on the coast, associated with the intensive use of firearms, while other regions have lower incidence rates.