Non-physical Intimate Partner Violence and Long-term Public Healthcare Costs in a Representative Sample of Canadian Women

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of non-physical intimate partner violence (IPV), including emotional and verbal abuse, and coercive/controlling behaviors, on Ontario Health Insurance Plan costs, the universal healthcare provider in the province of Ontario, Canada. Women exposed to non-physical IPV alone had 17% higher healthcare costs over 10 years compared to those not exposed, translating to CA$686 million in additional annual costs, challenging the perception that non-physical IPV is less harmful than physical forms. We argue for prevention of non-physical IPV and improved screening in healthcare settings is vital to mitigate its long-term impacts on individuals and healthcare systems.