Economic Costs
Cost to Victims
Overall, rape has the highest annual victim costs of any crime, estimated by the National Institute of Justice almost ten years ago at $127 billion per year.
When the average cost of a rape is calculated per victimization, the total is an estimated $87,000. This figure includes tangible costs such as:
- Productivity, $2,200
- Medical care/ambulance, $500
- Mental health care, $2,200
- Property loss/damage, $100
- Lost Quality of Life estimate, $81,400
Not factored in were pain and suffering, and the hours of work and wages lost by family members aiding victims/survivors after the assault and supporting victims/survivors in the legal system.
Financial Resources
The Crime Victim Compensation Program, a division of the Attorney General’s Office, was created to help victims/survivors recover many of these tangible costs. The CVC is a free, helpful, confidential and important part of alleviating the financial burden of crime on innocent victims/survivors.
Rape victims/survivors who reside in the U.S., and who are about to testify in the criminal trial are eligible to apply for a grant to cover the expenses of a support person or persons who will accompany the rape/sexual assault victim/survivor to court. The trial venue must be over 60 miles from the residence of the support persons in order to qualify. Visit The It Happened to Alexa Foundation’s web site for more information.
