DV’s $22bn price tag

ONE in six women has experienced physical or sexual violence by a partner since turning 15, a new report reveals.

Violence against women and children costs an estimated $22 billion a year, taking in health care, counselling, welfare support and lost wages.

Eight women and two men a day need hospital treatment as a result of domestic violence, and it occurs across all ages, socio-economic and demographic groups.

The report will be released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.