Domestic violence costs Estonian society at least €273 million a year
A study by Estonia's Foresight Center estimates the annual cost of domestic violence at no less than €273 million, nearly triple the amount tied to cases reported to police. An expert says much of the harm could be prevented.
Domestic violence imposes an economic burden of at least €273 million a year on Estonia, according to a new study by the Foresight Center, a state research body in Tallinn. That is almost three times the €94 million attributed to cases reported to the police.
Center expert Kaupo Koppel said 80 percent of domestic violence cases go unreported, so the true economic and social impact is far greater. In his words, the costs borne by organizations that handle the consequences make up only a small share of the total cost to society. The heaviest burden, he added, falls on victims' health and livelihoods.
Where the costs fall
The largest item is physical and psychological harm to victims, estimated at €122 million a year once unreported cases are counted. Healthcare costs reach roughly €59 million, of which €49 million is direct medical spending. Lost productivity and other economic damage add another €38 million.
Public spending
The state also spends millions responding to domestic violence. The Estonian Health Insurance Fund covered €13.6 million in related costs last year, while the Social Insurance Board and its agencies spent €11.8 million. A further €3.6 million goes each year to services dealing directly with the problem, including victim support, support centers and violence prevention.
Room for prevention
Koppel stressed that much of this harm could be prevented. He said that identifying domestic violence earlier and stopping it from recurring would spare people suffering and reduce the costs now carried by Estonia's healthcare system, social welfare system and labor market.
