Domestic violence has cost the government $740 million in 2011 says the Permanent Secretary for Women Govind Sami.

Sami says in 2002 it cost $200 million which shows an alarming increase over the years.

He says this estimate is based on medical costs, loss of hours of work and police, social welfare and prison services.

Sami launched the national 16 days of activism on the elimination of violence against women and children in Lautoka yesterday.

Fiji joins this international campaign on an annual basis.