Too costly to ignore – the economic impact of gender-based violence in South Africa

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Too costly to ignore-Violence against women in SA.pdf

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant challenge in South Africa. Not only does it have devastating physical, psychological and social effects, but it also has a sizeable economic impact- costing the country at least 1% of the GDP in 2012/2013.

The report by KPMG estimates costs associated with violence against women and their children that may be anticipated if governments and communities do not take action; and the cost reductions that could be achieved with reductions in the levels of violence as a result of implementing national, coordinated action.

 Assuming 1 in 5 women experience violence, the minimum annual cost to the economy is $28.4 billion. This money could be used to pay all child support grants for 8 years until 2022.