In this paper we estimate the cost of collective and interpersonal violence to low and
middle income countries. This includes civil war, homicides and (non)-fatal violence
against children and women. The cost of homicides and assault are almost four times
higher than the cost due to civil war and violence. Our estimates of non-fatal violence
against children and women focus on domestic violence only and we suggest that these
costs are much higher than the costs of homicide and civil war. The main reason is that the
prevalence of these types of violence is very high: possibly as many as 16 per cent of all
children are punished using violent methods and about 30 per cent of all partnered women
experience intimate partner violence during their lifetime. While we offer cost estimates
for different forms of violence, we only provide some BCRs. Although there is evidence that
violence is declining, it is often not clear why this is the case. Much of the evidence from
violence reducing interventions comes from high income countries and it is unclear
whether these programs would be similarly effective in low and middle income countries.
Currently almost no aid is intended to improve police competence and integrity, and very
little is spent on programs explicitly focused on reducing crime and attendant problems.
While further research is needed to examine the effectiveness of violence reducing
interventions, it appears likely that some interventions would constitute a very effective
use of development aid.