Here in Africa and Uganda in particular, I am sure the cost would be enormous given the magnitude and prevalence of this particular Human Rights abuse i.e. for treatment, legal intervention and time taken by relatives to look after the victims. Traditionally in some societies in Uganda when a woman is bartered by her husband, her co-wife or a sister takes off time to look after her. Therefore, it is very difficult to ascertain the actual cost because of lack of specific dis-aggregated data.
Plans are under way to start collection of data on various types of violence against women.
The financial costs are also expected to be analysed. The National Association of women Judges, in conjunction with the Uganda Law Commission has drafted a legislation in respect to Domestic Violence, which is being prepared for presentation to the government. Last year the same commission presented a proposal of Domestic Relations Bill after a comprehensive study which to some extent, has some relationships to Domestic Violence. There are definitely a number of women who loose work due to violence but as earlier stated, lack of data on this subject makes it impossible to give an actual number. However, we will send you a case study we documented which could be a testimony from Uganda of a woman who had to give up work due to the violence she was experiencing.