Interpersonal violence, particularly domestic violence, incurs an estimated global cost of up to $34 trillion each year, according to a study published on July 1, 2026, by researchers at the University of Konstanz. This research highlights that the majority of these costs stem from violence that occurs in private spaces, which is often overlooked compared to more visible forms of violence such as war and terrorism.
Understanding the Economic Impact of Interpersonal Violence
The study, conducted by Anke Hoeffler and James D. Fearon, reveals that approximately 12% of the global cost of violence is attributed to war and terrorism, while a staggering $20.3 trillion to $30 trillion is linked to interpersonal violence. This includes the costs associated with domestic violence against women and children, which leads to significant human suffering and economic damage.
Hoeffler emphasizes that this form of violence is often underestimated because it occurs away from public scrutiny. The researchers collected data from global conflict datasets, official health statistics, and victim surveys to assess the frequency and economic impact of various forms of violence.
Measuring the Costs of Violence
Hoeffler and Fearon categorized the costs of violence into three types: tangible costs, indirect costs, and intangible costs. Tangible costs include medical expenses incurred from injuries. For instance, if someone is injured in a knife attack, the healthcare system bears the financial burden. Indirect costs arise when an injured person cannot work, resulting in productivity losses and increased strain on social welfare systems.
