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Economic stress does not cause domestic violence. Offenders choose violence as a way to establish a sense of control in their life. Domestic violence is costing taxpayers and businesses money – a lot of money.  This fact is worth looking at and addressing in these difficult economic times.

The Oregon Dept. of Human Services found in less than two years domestic assaults cost $50 million. Close to half of the cost of medical and mental health care is paid for out of public funds. We don’t have accurate calculations of how many millions of dollars businesses lose each year due to lost wages and reduced productivity resulting from employees living with violence in their home.

Investing in programs that reduce violence by raising awareness and developing skills to effectively respond to and prevent aggression makes good economic sense. This is exactly what professional, high quality self-defense training accomplishes. Funding self-defense training in our businesses and schools is an affordable, effective, approach to addressing the economic impact of domestic violence, and it will create safer homes, communities, and places of work.

Katherine White / Self-Defense Program Coordinator at One With Heart Tulen Center:  onewithheart.com

posted 3 years, 2 months ago
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