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Tags: (BUSINESS INSIDER) — By Christopher Woody
The number of homicides in Mexico has risen steadily over the past three years, particularly in areas where drug-related crime is high.
While much of the violence is related to organized crime, the Mexican government has been criticized for its heavy-handed response, which has led to some high-profile cases of abuse.
The country’s deteriorating security situation promises to play a significant role in the presidential election next year.
Mexico’s 2,764 homicide victims in October is the most recorded in any month over the last 20 years, according to data collected by the country’s federal government.
The new data puts 2017 on pace to be the most violent year in Mexico since the government began releasing homicide data in 1997.
Federal data also showed that 2,371 homicide investigations, which can include more than one victim, were opened in October — the highest monthly total over the past two decades.
The 23,968 homicide victims reported though October this year are nearly 27% more than the 18,895 recorded over the same period last year.
This year’s total through 10 months was almost 55% more than the 15,480 recorded over the same period in 2015.
Mexican federal data may in fact undercount the number of homicides in the country, however.
Civil-society groups have suggested that state governments, which submit crime data to the federal government, may misrepresent or manipulate the number of intentional killings.