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For the first time in Israel, the Michal Sela Forum has spearheaded a groundbreaking economic study that uncovers the financial toll of domestic violence and femicide on both the private sector and the state. The findings are shocking: each survivor of intimate partner violence (IPV) costs the economy approximately 451,000 NIS, while the lifetime cost of a woman murdered by her partner is estimated at 8.2 million NIS.
This pioneering research, conducted by Social Finance Israel (SFI) with support from FIVERR, reveals the true economic burden of IPV in Israel. The study estimates that the overall cost of domestic violence amounts to 34 billion NIS over a lifetime, based on conservative data.
Key Findings:
Cost per IPV survivor: ~451,000 NIS over an average of 5 years (cumulative impact during the abuse period).
Cost per murder victim: ~8.2 million NIS over a lifetime, accounting for lost economic potential over 25 years and incarceration costs (~28 years on average).
Annual victims: An estimated 160,100 women experience IPV each year, including an average of 11 femicides annually in Israel.
When analyzing the distribution of these costs:
For IPV survivors, 40% of costs fall on the state, 45% on individuals (victims and their families), and 15% on the private sector.
For femicide victims, 57% of costs are borne by the state and 43% by individuals.
The Discrepancy Between Cost and Investment:
The study starkly contrasts the 34 billion NIS cost of domestic violence with the 650 million NIS invested in national prevention programs over the last five years—just 2% of the economic toll.
Additional Insights:
The study also incorporates intangible costs, including emotional suffering, using government-recommended metrics. When factoring these, the total cost per IPV survivor rises to 730,000 NIS, and per femicide victim, it skyrockets to 13.7 million NIS. For victims with two children, these figures increase to 1.5 million NIS per survivor and 16.2 million NIS per murder victim.
A Groundbreaking Approach:
Lili Ben Ami, Founder and CEO of the Michal Sela Forum: "Four years ago, I decided we needed an economic study to ask difficult questions like, 'What is the cost of a murder victim?' Our goal is zero femicides annually. Achieving this requires bold thinking, innovation, and new approaches to prevent domestic violence and save lives. This study is the first of its kind in Israel, thanks to the support of FIVERR and SFI. To prevent the next murder, the state must understand that investing in prevention is economically worthwhile."
Yaron Neuderfer, CEO of SFI: "Domestic violence is not just a personal tragedy; it’s an economic burden that demands urgent action. This study highlights the critical need to invest in prevention and support for victims—a step essential for a more just and healthy society."
The Michal Sela Forum, founded in memory of Michal Sela, works to prevent femicide through innovation and technology, while raising public awareness of domestic violence warning signs.
📊 Full Report:
🔗 Read the article written by Ariella Carmel at Ctech From Calcalist
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