Gender-Based Violence Costs BC More than $1B Annually

YWCA BC report shows the cost of failing to take action on gender-based violence  

Vancouver, B.C., April 14, 2026 – Failing to prevent gender-based violence costs B.C. $1.12 billion each year, a new report commissioned by YWCA BC reveals.  

The Cost of Inaction: Measuring the Economic Impact of Gender-Based Violence in BC, conducted by Robin Shaban, economist and public policy expert, reveals 90% of gender-based violence’s price tag is related to physical and sexual assault. Public service spending connected to sexual and physical assault, including law enforcement, public health care, and social services, totals $307 million. Lost productivity from these assaults is estimated to be $702 million. Due to limited data, these estimates are extremely conservative, and costs are likely much higher.  

“Gender-based violence is one of the most pressing challenges in our society, with lasting impacts for survivors, families, communities and our economy,” says YWCA BC CEO Erin Seeley. “This report shows the high cost of inaction and the persistent inequities for women and gender-diverse people who continue to live in fear. At a time of such fiscal pressure, we urge leaders to invest in preventing gender-based violence in our province. Taking action now to address this systemic crisis will benefit generations.”   

Statistics Canada data shows 48 per cent of women in B.C. over the age of 15 have experienced some form of intimate partner violence. Nearly 30 per cent have experienced physical and sexual assault, specifically.   

While B.C.’s government acknowledged gender-based violence is an epidemic and systemic crisis, no new funding was allocated to address it in Budget 2026. 

The Cost of Inaction shows that community and social programs aimed at preventing gender-based violence average $1,000 per person, compared to $15,000 per sexual-assault investigation. That price covers a police investigation alone and doesn’t include costs to legal systems, health care, employers or survivors themselves. 

The Cost of Inaction calls for B.C. to implement all 21 of Dr. Kim Stanton’s recommendations in her government-commissioned review of the legal system’s treatment of sexual and intimate partner violence. In addition, it calls for measures to specifically address gender-based violence in the workplace, especially sexual assault, as more than half of women employees in B.C. say they experience harassment or sexual assault at work. 

“The results of this report are significant because gender-based violence is prevalent in B.C. and it has real impacts on both survivors and broader society,” says Robin Shaban, economist and public policy expert. “The provincial government must take concrete steps to invest in programs that build community and connection. When people of all genders are supported by their communities, we can reduce all forms of violence, including those based on gender.” 

The full report is available at: ywcabc.org/CostofGBV 

Background 

YWCA BC is a registered charity committed to advancing gender equity through our programs, advocacy and revenue-generating social enterprises. Guided by the needs of the people we serve, we empower and strengthen communities in our province through housing, child care, employment services, mentorship and more. 

This report was commissioned by YWCA BC with funding from The Houssian Foundation and SPARC BC.  

Media Contact 

Alyse Kotyk 
Senior Strategist, Communications and Media Relations 
media@ywcabc.org