31 Mar 2014

The high cost of domestic violence

3:46 pm on 31 March 2014

Domestic violence costs New Zealand about $368 million a year in lost productivity, research shows.

The research was commissioned by the Public Service Association, and Green MP Jan Logie said it showed the effects domestic violence could have.

It could cost victims and their children their safety, their wellbeing and, often, the affected parent's job, she said.

Ms Logie wanted the law changed to allow victims to request flexible working arrangements if needed, and to clarify that domestic violence was a hazard in the workplace which needed to be managed by the employer.

New Zealand's rates of domestic violence were unacceptably high, she said.