World Savvy Monitor

Violence against women takes an enormous toll, not only on the women who experience it, but on the children who witness it, and the societies that must bear the financial cost.

• The health implications for victims are immense.  These can be long-term physical disabilities as well as psychological trauma.  They can also be isolation and depression due to the stigma of victimization.

• Costs to victims include missed opportunities.  Girls miss school; women miss work; time and energy are diverted from the pursuit of economic and personal well-being.

• Children bear the burden as well.  Their lives are disrupted when their female caregivers are hurt or killed.  As witnesses to violence perpetrated against mothers, daughters, and sisters, many are thought to suffer long-term stress and disability.  Moreover, boys and men who witness abuse are more likely to be perpetrators themselves.  

• Finally, society suffers – not only in terms of the social and moral fabric of life, but also in economic terms.  The World Health Organization estimates that some countries end up spending up to 4% of GDP on violence-related expenditures, a significant sum for developing and wealthy countries alike.  This is money that is not being invested in health care, education, and economic growth.

Next:  Women in Armed Conflict:  Overview