Hidden toll: Interpersonal violence drives most of the world's annual cost of up to US $34 trillion

The media is full of news of war, terrorism and armed conflict, and this shapes our perceptions of violence. However, if we look at the costs resulting from these forms of violence, the numbers are surprising: About 12% of the global cost comes from war and terrorism. A much larger proportion of the costs is caused by interpersonal violence—in particular, domestic violence against women and children. This violence results in immense human suffering—and massive damage to economies and societies worldwide.