The cost of living crisis involves high costs for basic goods and services such as food, housing, transportation, and health care. These high prices make it difficult for people to make ends meet and can lead to financial strain. Studies have found that financial strain and higher costs for living are associated with increased rates of domestic violence.
The cost of living crisis also has an impact on people’s mental health. When people cannot afford basic necessities such as food or shelter it can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair that can manifest itself through anger or aggression towards their partners or family members. The lack of affordable mental health services also contributes to this problem as people may not be able to access the help they need in order to address mental health challenges.
Not only does domestic abuse have a significant impact on those directly affected by it, but it also has far-reaching effects on society as a whole. It especially impacts on the lives of women and children, who are predominantly but not exclusively victims. Domestic abuse costs taxpayers billions each year in healthcare costs and lost productivity due to missed work days for victims who require time off for medical attention or counselling related to their trauma. Furthermore, domestic violence can cause long-term psychological damage that may require additional resources such as therapy sessions or medication, which further add to the long-term cost of domestic violence on society at large.
In order to address this issue, it is important that governments prioritize policies that promote economic security for all members of society so that everyone has access to basic goods and services at an affordable price. It is also essential that governments invest in resources that provide support for those who are experiencing domestic violence so they are able to get out safely while accessing necessary medical attention or counselling services if needed at no cost or low cost if possible. Additionally, more emphasis should be placed on providing education around healthy relationships so people know how to identify signs of abuse before it escalates into something more serious and damaging both physically and psychologically.
Domestic abuse is an issue that affects too many people worldwide, and unfortunately, the cost of living crisis has only exacerbated this problem further by making it harder for those affected by domestic abuse. Escaping these situations safely while getting access much-needed support services without financial burden should be a priority both nationally and internationally if we truly want our societies free from this devastating issue.