NCJ Number
181115
Journal
Topics in Crime Prevention Dated: Fall 1999 Pages: 8-20
Date Published
1999
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article presents costs and examples of prevention-generated savings for specific crime categories: violent crime, gun violence, domestic violence, child abuse, property crime, fraud, juvenile crime, drug abuse and related crime, alcohol-related crime, and prison recidivism.
Abstract
Victims of murder, rape, robbery, assault, and abuse or neglect spend an estimated $44 billion annually on tangible nonservice expenses, including property damage, insurance administration costs, medical and mental health care, and productivity losses. One study indicates that firearm injuries and deaths cost more than $33 billion in 1996, while other studies estimate even higher figures. Estimates of domestic violence range from 960,000 to 4 million victims a year, and legal expenses for victims who seek help from the criminal justice system are considerable. In addition, estimates indicate that 3.2 million children were abused or neglected in 1997, and costs associated with child abuse are estimated at $56 billion annually. Burglary victims lost $3.3 billion in property in 1997. The cost of housing a juvenile in a detention facility can be as high as $30,000 per year, and the cost to society of one young person dropping out of high school for a life of crime and drug abuse is at least $1.7 million. Drug and alcohol abuse cost society $246 billion a year. Specific strategies to prevent all these crimes are discussed in the context of cost savings. 3 tables, 2 charts, and 1 figure