Time off work due to injuries caused by Domestic violence is costing British industry about £3 billion a year, according to a study.

Domestic violence costs the criminal justice system £1 billion a year, the NHS £1.2 billion, social services £250 million, housing authorities £160 million and civil legal services more than £300 million. The study, by Professor Sylvia Walby of Leeds University, said the amount of work missed cost the economy £2.7 billion.

The research estimated the cost of "emotional suffering" at a further £17 billion.

Deputy women's minister Jacqui Smith said: "We are all affected by domestic violence. It is a clear challenge to employers and agencies to take this as seriously as we do."

Professor Walby said: "Domestic violence is a cost borne by everyone through the taxes to pay for public services, lost economic output due to time off work because of injuries and the human and emotional costs to those who suffer the violence."

Thursday September 02, 2004