SUVA – It is estimated that domestic violence cost the country $498 million last year.
According to the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council, major contributing factors to domestic violence include alcohol, drugs and substance abuse with the costs involving police, welfare and prison services as well as medical treatment.
This cost has gone up from $200 million in 2002 that was estimated by the Fiji Women’s Crisis Center
In an effort to curb the rising cost, the council continues to visit schools to educate children on the danger of drugs and substance abuse.
