Background
Sexual violence is a serious and costly public health problem. Current research that
systematically documents the broad range of economic costs of sexual violence is lacking.
Purpose
To estimate the incidence and costs of sexual violence in Iowa in 2009.
Methods
Using data obtained from population surveys, six Iowa government agencies, and other
sources, we estimated sexual violence incidence, costs per incident, and total costs
in 2009 dollars, by age and sexual violence category, and for various cost elements.
We calculated direct costs of medical care, mental health care, property damage, victim
services, investigation, adjudication, and sanctioning, as well as indirect costs
for lost work and quality of life. We collected data in 2010–2011 and completed analysis
in 2013.
Results
In 2009, an estimated 55,340 individuals experienced sexual violence in Iowa, including
49,510 adults and 5,930 children. Nearly three of every four victims were women. The
estimated total cost of sexual violence in 2009 was $4.7 billion, equating to $1,580
per resident. This estimate included $4.44 billion in indirect costs and $265 million
in direct costs. In the same year, the government spent an estimated $100.6 million
as a result of sexual violence in Iowa, more than half of which ($55.3 million) was
spent on perpetrators and little ($0.9 million) on prevention.
Conclusions
The economic costs of sexual violence are high for individuals and society. Cost information
can help identify the burden of sexual violence relative to other social problems
in Iowa and prioritize funding for prevention and intervention.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 12, 2014
Identification
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© 2014 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
