The Cost of Inaction: Measuring the Economic Impact of Gender-Based Violence in BC

Gender-based violence costs BC $1.12 billion each year

Gender-based violence (GBV) is an epidemic and systemic crisis. Investing in its prevention is a smart financial decision. 

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Our work to end GBV

What is Gender-Based Violence?

Gender-based violence is any act of harm rooted in a person’s gender, gender identity, gender expression or perceived gender. It includes violence inside and outside intimate relationships and can take many forms, including emotional, physical, financial, sexual violence, sexual harassment and online abuse. 

While anyone can experience gender-based violence, women, girls and gender-diverse people, especially those who are Indigenous, Black or racialized, face a much higher risk. 

Illustration of women huddled under roses
What our report found

The Cost of Inaction: Measuring the Economic Impact of Gender-Based Violence in BC, conducted by economist and public policy expert Robin Shaban, found gender-based violence costs BC $1.12 billion each year. This estimate is extremely conservative, because data is limited. In reality, the cost is likely much higher.  

Almost 90% of the costs are related to physical and sexual assault: 

  • $307 million each year is spent year on law enforcement, public health care and social services related to physical and sexual assault 
  • Lost productivity from physical and sexual assaults costs an estimated $702 million each year 

Community and social programs that work to prevent gender-based violence cost an average of $1,000 per person.  

A single sexual assault investigation costs approximately $15,000. That price covers a police investigation alone and doesn’t include costs to legal systems, health care, employers or survivors themselves. 

Put simply: gender-based violence is an economic drain with ripple effects beyond individual survivors.  

Stats of prevention vs. crisis response
What should government do?

Investing in prevention is a smart financial decision.  

Our report calls for BC to implement all 21 recommendations from Dr. Kim Stanton’s government-commissioned review of the legal system’s treatment of sexual and intimate partner violence. 

Our report also calls for measures to prevent and counteract workplace sexual harassment through: 

  • Public education 
  • Restricting non-disclosure agreements in instances of workplace harassment 
  • Extending the filing window for sexual harassment complaints to B.C.’s Human Rights Tribunal 
  • Enhancing supports for legal clinics focused on human rights and labour law 
  • Prioritizing workplace harassment within the mandate of a gender-based violence commissioner 
What is YWCA BC doing?

We support survivors of gender-based violence through many of our programs and services. We offer safe transitional housing, child care, employment programs, legal assistance, mentorship, support groups and so much more.  

We’re also passionate about advocating for systemic change to address gender-based violence at its root. 

Our programs and advocacy
Ending Gender-Based Violence
Support For Women Who Have Experienced Abuse
Legal Supports for Women
Short Term & Transitional Housing
Hey BC, Sign the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Declaration
Gender-Based Violence is an Epidemic
How you can help

The Cost of Inaction: Measuring the Economic Impact of Gender-Based Violence in BC  was made possible thanks to generous funding from The Houssian Foundation and SPARC BC.