The cost of violence against children in Tunisia

In Tunisia, eight out of ten children are victims of violence. More than half of children suffer physical punishment, and over 75% are victims of psychological aggression. This violence against children (VAC) imposes a severe societal burden, with significant and quantifiable economic costs. This study estimates the cost of violence against children in Tunisia, disaggregated by type of violence and sex, and examines the health and education-related losses. Current investment in prevention is also measured. This study used secondary data from international and Tunisian studies on the consequences of VAC to estimate the lifetime cost of VAC in Tunisia, discounted to 2022, using an incidence-based approach. The total cost of VAC in Tunisia is estimated at USD 865 million in 2022, approximately 1.9% of the country's GDP. Psychological violence represents the greatest burden among non-fatal forms of violence, totaling 460 million USD or 1% of GDP (2022). Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) account for the majority of the costs of non-fatal violence (470 million USD). The loss of lifetime income due to dropping out of school represents 356 million USD, while e xpenditure on prevention and care for victims of violence is estimated at 12 million USD in 2022. VAC imposes an economic burden on Tunisia, amounting to a considerable proportion of its GDP. Protecting Tunisian children is not only a fundamental human right but also a cost-saving investment. • Eight in ten Tunisian children are victims of violence. • Incidence-based approach quantifies direct and indirect costs of this violence. • Violence against children cost Tunisia USD 865M in 2022 (1.9% GDP). • Psychological violence accounts for largest non-fatal burden (USD 460M).