This ground breaking report, found that the total annual cost of domestic violence in 2002–03 was estimated to be $8.1 billion. The largest contributor was pain, suffering and premature mortality, at $3.5 billion.
The research showed that the largest cost burden ($4.0 billion) was estimated to be borne by victims of domestic violence. The next largest burden was on the general community ($1.2 billion), with smaller amounts borne by the remaining groups, including perpetrators.