Child abuse and violence costs countries in East Asia and the Pacific around US$209 billion each year, equivalent to two percent of the region’s GDP, according to a newly published research commissioned by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

UNICEF said in a press release on Tuesday that the social and economic impact of child maltreatment includes an added burden on already stretched health care systems, disability and death, and increased levels of violence and criminality.

“We all know that violence against children must stop because it is morally wrong. This research shows that inaction about violence results in serious economic costs to countries and communities,” said UNICEF Regional Director Daniel Toole.

“All children have the right to live free from violence, which harms their physical and mental growth, and inhibits the growth of their society and economies. Violence against children often takes place behind closed doors but it is preventable when people come together and say loudly and clearly that this is not acceptable,” he added.

According to the study, the costs associated with emotional abuse are $65.9 billion, those associated with physical abuse are $39.6 billion, sexual abuse costs about $39.9 billion, neglect costs $32.4 billion, witnessing domestic violence costs $31 billion and death from maltreatment costs an estimated $500 million.

UNICEF stated in its press release that it is difficult for children who experience violence and abuse to grow up to be productive members of society, and their countries also risk losing the potential benefits to their communities these children might otherwise provide.

The organization is working with governments in the region to take action based on these findings of the research, which looks at the different types of maltreatment and the cost to economies of each of the participating countries.