Authors: Wells, L., Emery, H., Boodt, C., Fyie, K.

Date: February 2026

This policy brief examines the economic burden of failing to intervene earlier in the trajectories of 934 male perpetrators who were charged with domestic violence offences in Calgary, Canada, in 2019. It identifies the annual cost of addressing domestic violence in Calgary through examining all of the efforts expended by Calgary Police Service (CPS) to respond to violence, as well as focusing on a unique sample of CPS data that allows for the exploration of the policing and justice system costs associated with addressing domestic violence, as well as an estimate of victim-related costs linked to the perpetrators in the sample. This report argues that reallocating resources toward early intervention strategies, such as evidence-informed programs for those at risk of being violent, offers a more effective and sustainable approach. By addressing harmful behaviours before they intensify, police services and policymakers can reduce demand on public systems and services. Early intervention also creates opportunities for accountability and behaviour change, aligning public safety goals with long-term violence prevention.

On February 22, 2024, the School of Public Policy, with coauthors Lana Wells, Herb Emery, Casey Boodt, and Ken Fyie, held a media release for this paper.

You can access the first paper in this series here, and the second paper in this series here.