THE ECONOMIC COST OF HOMICIDE IN NEW-ZEALAND

Violence has become increasingly recognised as a public health issue. with significant impact on the health of individuals. In addition, the re is increasing awareness that there are substantial economic costs a ssociated with violence. The present study estimated the economic cost s associated with homicide in New Zealand, using a human capital appro ach. Direct costs were assessed using information on incidence and cos ts from government agencies, and indirect costs were assessed based on loss of productivity resulting from death. The total estimated cost o f homicides in 1992 was NZ $82997065 (U.S. S53948092), averaging NZ $1 012159 per homicide (U.S. $657903). This total was comprised of the es timated total cost associated with homicide victims of NZ $37017010 (U .S. $24061056) and the estimated total cost associated with homicide p erpetrators of NZ $45980055 (U.S. $29887035). Limitations of the incid ence data and the methods employed suggest that these costs are likely to be underestimates. Nevertheless, the figure calculated represents an enormous drain on New Zealand's economic resources. (C) 1997 Elsevi er Science Ltd.