Domestic violence is not only a personal crisis for survivors—it is a widespread social and economic issue that places a heavy burden on families, communities, and the nation as a whole. In 2022, The New York Times reported that intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crimes committed annually in the United States. These numbers reveal a staggering reality: domestic violence is not a rare or hidden problem—it is one of the most pervasive and destructive forms of violence in our society.
The prevalence of abuse is equally alarming. More than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced physical violence, rape, or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Behind each of these numbers is a survivor whose life has been deeply affected—not only by the abuse itself but also by the physical, emotional, and financial consequences that follow. The ripple effects extend outward, impacting children, workplaces, healthcare systems, and entire communities.
The economic toll is immense. Between 2015 and 2019, the operational costs of responding to domestic violence more than doubled, rising by $4.0 billion. Local communities and broader society absorbed $1.2 billion in costs, while the federal government carried an additional $858 million burden. These figures reflect expenditures on law enforcement, healthcare, shelter services, social support, and lost workplace productivity. But they do not fully capture the hidden costs—the trauma carried by survivors, the disruption of children’s education, or the long-term health consequences that place additional strain on families and public systems.
As these costs rise, our economy suffers. Funds that could be invested in education, healthcare innovation, infrastructure, and community development are instead diverted to crisis response. The financial impact is not only measured in government spending but also in the lost potential of survivors who are unable to fully participate in the workforce due to trauma, injury, or lack of safety. Businesses face turnover, absenteeism, and reduced productivity, while entire communities lose the contributions of those silenced by violence.
This reality underscores why domestic violence cannot be dismissed as a “private” matter. It is a public crisis with national implications—draining resources, weakening communities, and holding back economic growth. Addressing intimate partner violence is not only a moral imperative; it is an economic necessity. By investing in prevention, survivor support services, and policies that promote safety and equality, we reduce long-term costs, strengthen our workforce, and build healthier, more resilient communities.
Our economy, our families, and our future depend on our collective commitment to ending domestic violence. Supporting survivors is not just the right thing to do—it is the smart thing to do for society as a whole.