Is Belem Safe for Women? Crime Rates in Belem

Belém is a big city, capital of Pará, a state in the Amazonian region. Don't get me wrong, I love Belém. I live here by choice. The city has so much beauty, and the food is simply unique and marvelous. However... It's not really a safe place. It's one of the poorest regions in Brazil. Poverty leads to poorly educated people, which leads to crime. Crime here is common, it's not unusual to be robbed or mugged. I've been once, my wife twice. As someone who was born and raised here, we learn how to avoid potentially dangerous situations, so I manage to live a nice, safe life. But if you're coming here by yourself... Be careful. SPECIALLY if you don't speak Portuguese, or if you "look gringo", which screams easy money and attracts thieves. If you wish to visit Belém (which I Do recommend!), do it safely: hire an agency or get to know someone who lives here to guide and help you around. Oh, and while women are much more vulnerable, this also applies to males. Sexual violence and harassment is far less common than robbery. Still, I don't go walking outside (only Uber or my car) after dark.