Violence against women is widely recognized as a human rights violation and a public health epidemic. But its impacts on economic development are often ignored. A recent study and report from the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), "Intimate Partner Violence: High Costs to Households and Communities," shows just how deep this impact is.

The findings show that women in three countries studied experience multiple and severe forms of violence by an intimate partner yet a majority do not seek help. Still, both the direct and indirect costs were high and drain economic resources from households and communities. Results also suggest that estimates represent only a fraction of the economic, health and social costs of violence against women.

This report adds a new dimension to the growing body of evidence that calls for urgent action to end violence against women.

Read the full report.