£3bn cost of domestic abuse

Time off work because of injuries caused by domestic violence is costing British industry almost £3 billion a year, a new report showed.

The cost of "emotional suffering" is estimated at a further £17 billion, according to research for the Government.

Domestic violence cost the criminal justice system £1 billion a year, the NHS £1.2 billion, social services £250 million, housing authorities £160 million and civil legal services more than £300 million.

Time off work due to injuries cost the economy £2.7 billion, according to the research by Professor Sylvia Walby, from Leeds University.

Deputy women's minister Jacqui Smith said: "This groundbreaking research shows we are all affected by domestic violence.

"It's a clear challenge to employers and agencies to take this as seriously as we do.

"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.

"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."

Prof Walby said: "Domestic violence is a cost that is borne by everyone through the taxes to pay for public services, lost economic output due to time off work because of injuries, and the human and emotional costs to those who suffer the violence."