Based on global comparisons, Latin America is the most violent region in the world, with the highest homicide rate and a significant incidence of urban violence, kidnappings, lynchings and other forms of vigilante practices, and violent environmental conflicts. This document offers an overview of the forms, actors, and economic, social, and institutional impacts of violence in Latin America, and identifies particularly vulnerable groups, such as youth, women, and Human Rights defenders. The document serves as a context for this special issue which aims to support the work of students and scholars on the subject. The document concludes with a brief discussion of the likely impact of the COVID-19 health crisis on violence in the region.