Given Costs of Intimate Partner Violence, Funds for Civil Legal Aid Vital

Expanding access to civil legal aid should be seen as the indispensable investment in Massachusetts’ future that it truly is, says Jeffrey Baliban.

Letter to Editor (Massachusetts)

Jeffrey Baliban
Boston Globe
November 18, 2014
Link to story

Tags: Children & Juvenile, Funding: State & Local

Organizations mentioned/involved: Boston Bar Association

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DETAILS

However, as compelling as these findings are, they belie the true extent to which such violence drains the state’s economy.

Beyond the initial medical costs for injury, these victims have a higher incidence of alcohol and drug abuse, ongoing depression, and suicide attempts; experience more physical health problems; and are less able to hold down permanent employment.

Children who witness such violence are less likely to graduate from high school or complete college; have more difficulty with alcohol, drug abuse, and other self-destructive behaviors; and are likely to be less productive in society when compared to peers who are not influenced by violence.