A new study has revealed the huge economic losses caused by domestic violence in California, and the heavy burden it places on victims and taxpayers across the state.
The study, conducted by the Tulane University Newcomb Institute in collaboration with the UCSD School of Global Policy and Strategy, found that in 2022, domestic violence cost California $73.7 billion.
Anita Raj, executive director of the Newcomb Institute and lead author of the research report, expressed during a press conference on June 4th, “Often, state governments fail to recognize the economic, social, and health costs that intimate partner violence imposes on survivors, victimized families, and the entire state.”
The report highlights that over 60% of the $73.7 billion costs are attributed to medical expenses – primarily for treating physical injuries. Additionally, criminal justice costs amounted to $13 billion, including lost income during recovery periods for deceased victims, survivors, and incarcerated offenders. Furthermore, nearly $1.58 billion was allocated for intervention programs, with an average cost per victim of approximately $88,000.
This financial burden nearly accounts for a quarter of California’s annual budget, approaching the $80 billion expenditure on K-12 education.
Anita Raj, formerly a professor of medicine and education research at UCSD, stated, “These costs underscore the economic rationale for increasing investments in prevention programs and reforms to effectively address domestic violence.”
The report also revealed that in 2022, over 460,000 women in California (approximately one in every 30 women) experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner. The study did not include data or investigations regarding similar violence experienced by men.
Jakana Thomas, a co-author of the report and a political science professor at the School of Global Policy and Strategy, emphasized the link between domestic violence and other crises facing California, such as homelessness.
“Women who have experienced intimate partner violence in the past year are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies, and they are also more likely to face recent evictions,” mentioned Thomas in the press release. He further stated, “If we aim to address California’s current mental health and homelessness crises, preventing domestic violence must be a top priority.”