Domestic Violence: The Economic Consequences You Haven’t Considered
Domestic violence (DV) impacts people all across this country. Religion, economic status, sexual identity, and race cannot protect you from it. It is based in a need of one partner to control another, and rears its ugly head in many ways, including through sexual violence, physical violence, emotional abuse, financial control, stalking, and more. It costs individuals, families, neighborhoods, and communities in numerous ways, one of which is economically.
Economic Impacts of DV
Victims of domestic violence often seek medical, psychological, and legal help, so it should come as no surprise that DV costs this country well over $8 billion annually. On top of this, those who experience harm at the hands of their intimate partners lose another $8 million in paid work after calling in sick to their jobs. When they are at work, they are often distracted and suffer negative consequences as a result .Roughly half of working individuals who are experiencing domestic violence are harassed on the job by their partners. In one five-year span, 142 women were actually murdered by their abusers while they were at work. Ultimately, up to 60 percent of those who survive domestic violence wind up losing their jobs as a result of the abuse they suffer.
Long Term Issues
Consequences of domestic violence extend well beyond the immediate aftermath. Long term health consequences mean survivors of domestic violence are often more likely to utilize mental health and medical services over time, adding another $4+ billion each year to health care costs. Additionally, children who witness DV often suffer enduring issues that include poor productivity, criminal activity, and mental health issues. Experts estimate the costs for these issues exceeding $55 million.
Education Impacts
Some analysis indicates that adolescents who have been victimized do not exhibit the same efforts toward schoolwork as their peers. For those who suffer physical or sexual violence at the hands of someone they are dating, skipping school becomes a way to avoid their concerns for safety. College students tend to drop classes altogether to evade their assailants. Long term, that can add up, which is why one study exposed the fact that women who suffered Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) early in life get less education over the course of their lives, including education related to job training. This translates to lower earnings overall, due to being less qualified, having less training, and missing more time on the job. The bottom line is a loss of nearly $70,000 over a lifetime.
You Deserve Safety
The experienced Miami domestic violence attorneys at The Law Office of Julia Kefalinos know that everyone deserves to live without fear. If intimate partner violence is costing you confidence, safety, and happiness, we can help. To discuss, schedule a confidential consultation in our Miami office today.
Source:
centerfordomesticpeace.org/economic-impact-of-domestic-violence/#:~:text=The%20cost%20of%20intimate%20partner,reasons%20stemming%20from%20the%20abuse.
