The Cost of Violence: An Economic and Societal Perspective

Narrator: Mounira Saddi

Gender-based violence has profound consequences for individuals and economies. The human costs are inestimable, but the economic impact is essential to consider.

Direct Costs: Immediate Consequences

• Public health: Medical costs for GBV-related injuries and saturation of health services.
• Justice system: Costs of investigations, trials, and incarceration of perpetrators.
• Loss of productivity: Absenteeism of victims and loss of income.

Indirect Costs: Long-term Repercussions

• Economic impact: Lost productivity and reduced foreign investment.
• Mental health: Post-traumatic stress disorder increases healthcare costs.
• Education: Children exposed to GBV may leave school early.

According to the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), the global economic cost of violence has been estimated at over $14,000 billion by 2022, representing around 10% of global GDP. When it comes to gender-based violence, the figures are equally alarming:

• A UN study in 2016 revealed that violence against women results in global economic losses amounting to billions of dollars every year, mainly due to lost productivity and medical expenses.
• In some countries, domestic violence can account for lost productivity ranging from 1.2% to 3.7% of GDP.
• In Australia, the annual cost of domestic violence has been estimated at around A$22 billion in 2021.

Despite these damning statistics, resources allocated to the prevention of gender-based violence remain largely insufficient. In 2022, global spending on this cause represented less than 1% of allocated budgets, highlighting a marked imbalance between needs and available funding. These figures demonstrate the urgent need to mobilize more resources to reduce the economic and human impact of gender-based violence.

Conclusion

The cost of violence is enormous, both financially and in human terms. GBV represents a major burden. By investing in prevention and support, societies can reduce these costs and create a safer environment. Combating violence is a moral and economic imperative.