Cost of violence exposed

Domestic violence is costing the UK in excess of £23 billion a year, new figures have suggested.

Injuries caused by domestic violence are costing employers and workers nearly £3 billion a year, according a study released by deputy women's minister Jacqui Smith.

In a hard-hitting report the government also warns that domestic violence costs UK services a further £3 billion - with a staggering £17 billion bill for the human costs such as moving home, lost employment and legal costs.

The report draws attention to the human and emotional costs as well as the considerable income losses from lost employment, substantial civil legal costs and some costs associated with moving home and health care, amounting to around £19 billion

Launching the report, Smith said it revealed the "clear challenge" to employers and government  agencies.

"This is a life or death issue and thousands turn up in casualty departments and doctors surgeries with the scars and bruises of this appalling abuse," she said.

"We’re taking action at all levels, in the courts, with the police, in schools, in hospitals, and housing to help rid our communities of this abuse. 

"It’s a problem for all of us, we cannot afford to ignore it, and all have a role in tackling it."

Home Office minister Baroness Scotland said the figures came as "no surprise".

"What is also disturbing is the emotional cost to victims and their children," she added.

"These findings strengthen the case we are making for domestic violence to be on the agenda of every statutory agency and private business, affecting as it does their customers and employees.

"Domestic violence is completely unacceptable and all of us should take responsibility to challenge and root out abuse among our friends, our colleagues and in our communities at large."

Theresa May, the Conservatives' family spokesman, said action must follow words.

"No-one should underestimate the cost to the treasury of  domestic violence, but it is the cost to the lives of so many families that must be forgotten," she said.

"We have to send out a clear and resounding message that this must stop - domestic violence can no longer be termed 'just a domestic'.

"There must be a culture shift in relation to domestic violence.

"For a culture change to be sustainable, we need to target all generations, but particularly younger men and women.

"There are worrying figures which show that about 20 per cent of young men and 10 per cent of young women think abuse or violence against a partner is acceptable.

"Legislation is not enough; more must be done using tough advertisings campaigns, similar to the drink-driving ads, to raise awareness and make domestic violence socially unacceptable."