Minnesota: Sex Assaults Projected to Cost State $8 Billion

Each of the 61,000 sexual assaults that occurred in Minnesota in 2005 had an economic impact on society of at least $159,000, according to a new report from the state Department of Health. When the victim was a minor, as was the case in 30 percent of the assaults, the cost rose to $184,000 due to the additional services required. The total cost of sexual assaults in 2005 -- including mental and physical health care, criminal justice expenses, and the loss of productivity and quality of life suffered by victims -- was $8 billion. Sexual attacks that year resulted in 12,720 STD diagnoses and 1,480 pregnancies, about half of which ended in abortions. Donna Dunn, executive director of the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault, said the report "provides a context for the public to understand this isn't a one-time incident that happens and then it's done. [It] has costs that continue on in our society."

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