I went through one of the favelas in Rio with a resident of the favela who ran tours and put a portion of the money earned back into the community. This was in 2013, so it was a less tumultuous time, but the guide noted that being in a favela (with a local) is safer than being anywhere else in the city. He said that the residents of the favela have pride in their community and do not want a negative reputation. This was evident as we walked around the favela.