State-sponsored violence refers to acts of violence that are carried out or supported by a government against its own citizens or other groups. This can include actions such as torture, extrajudicial killings, and repression of dissent. Such violence is often aimed at maintaining control, suppressing opposition, or instilling fear among the population. This type of violence can manifest in various forms, including military operations, police brutality, and political persecution. Governments may use state-sponsored violence to target specific groups based on ethnicity, political beliefs, or religion, leading to widespread human rights violations and social unrest.