What are the economic costs of domestic violence?

Statistically, one in three Australian women will experience violence in their lifetime. Human costs notwithstanding, domestic violence is estimated to cost the Australian economy more than $13 billion this year. Here's a closer look at some vulnerable communities.

White Ribbon Day is today, and you are invited to take a stand against violence against women. Pic:GETTY

Domestic violence not only affects those physically abused, but the children who witness the violence.

The costs for Australia's economy associated with children who witness domestic violence are forecast to hit $1.6 billion in 2021-22, The Cost of Violence against Women and their Children report says.

The costs of domestic violence against immigrant and refugee women is projected to hit $4 billion the same year.

The factors that affect how women and children deal with domestic violence include: disabilities, problems using the English language, ethnicity, physical location, sexuality, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status and immigration experience.

Today is White Ribbon Day 2014, which aims to bring a stop to violence against women. White Ribbon promotes the message that individuals can make a difference.

In 2012, across Australia 17 per cent of women were estimated to have experienced violence from a partner at some point since they were 15 years old.

The 2012 Personal Safety Survey said the same statistic for adult men was estimated to be just over five per cent.

The survey said 1.5 per cent of women and 0.6 per cent of men were estimated to have been victims of violence in the 12 months before the survey.

• FInd out more about White Ribbon Day and the push to end violence against women