Violence against women fact for Dec. 1

[November 30, 2013]  Zonta International seeks to advance the status of women worldwide by improving the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women at the global and local levels through service and advocacy.

With the generosity and collective action of Zontians and friends around the world, Zonta International has supported projects in 46 countries, provided scholarships and awards to women around the globe, and been a powerful advocate for change in our local and international communities, thereby transforming the world and women's place in it.

The local Zonta organization wants to help raise awareness of the crime of violence against women locally and around the world by publishing 16 facts, one per day, during the 16 Days of Activism.

December 1 -- day 7

Fact 7: Violence against women seriously affects economic development.

Intimate partner violence has a substantial economic impact. In the United States of America, for example, the estimated costs of intimate partner violence amount to US$ 5.8 billion annually. These include direct costs for medical services (approximately two thirds of the total costs), and indirect costs such as lost productivity.

[Copy of text received]