Domestic violence prevention in Calgary would cost less than response, U of C report says

A University of Calgary report found Calgary spent just under $58 million responding to domestic violence in 2019 and says expanding prevention programs would cost about $1.2 million per year.

Researchers at the University of Calgary released a report saying Calgary spends heavily responding to domestic violence and that investing in prevention would be less costly. The study used 2019 data and was published by the School of Public Policy and Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence. It compares current response costs with the projected cost of expanding prevention programs. The report frames prevention as a way to address root causes and reduce repeated incidents. Key findings: - The report found Calgary spent just under $58 million on domestic violence response in 2019. - The authors say expanding a program to address offender behaviour would cost about $1.2 million per year. - The report states directing men who come into contact with police to behaviour-change programs could reduce domestic violence by up to 40%. - The Calgary Police Service described the findings as validation of its ongoing focus on prevention, collaboration and early intervention. Summary: The report presents prevention as a potentially more economical approach than continuing the current level of response and highlights possible savings for taxpayers. Officials noted the findings support sustained emphasis on prevention and community partnerships. Undetermined at this time.