This study focused on expenditures under the Brazilian National Unified Health System (SUS) due to hospitalization of children and adolescents as the result of violence in Pernambuco State in 1999. Data were collected from the Hospital Admittance Forms covering the State of Pernambuco. Some 9,220 hospital admissions due to external causes were identified, with a cost of R$3,659,558.62. Mean cost of hospitalization for children and adolescents in Pernambuco State in 1999 was R$306.49. Mean cost of hospitalization due to external causes was R$396.91. Traumatic lesions were the most common reason for hospital admission (84.7%). Violence against children and adolescents in Greater Metropolitan Recife accounted for 65.1% of hospital admissions and 77.9% of all hospital costs in Pernambuco State.