The victim of an acid attack is the person who is targeted and harmed by the perpetrator throwing a corrosive liquid, typically at their face. This results in severe burns, disfigurement, and lasting physical and psychological trauma.
Understanding Acid Attack Victims
Acid attacks are a horrific form of violence that disproportionately affect women and girls. Victims often suffer:
- Severe burns and scarring: The corrosive nature of the acid causes deep tissue damage, leading to extensive scarring on the face, body, and sometimes internal organs.
- Physical impairments: Burns can result in blindness, loss of hearing, and impaired mobility.
- Psychological trauma: The experience leaves victims with profound emotional distress, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
Numerous individuals have bravely shared their stories and become advocates for change. For instance, Laxmi Agarwal, an Indian acid attack survivor, is a prominent campaigner for the rights of victims and founder of The Laxmi Foundation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laxmi_Agarwal). Other survivors, like Hasina in Bangladesh, have also shown immense courage in their recovery and activism (https://www.gov.uk/government/case-studies/from-acid-victim-to-activist-hasinas-courageous-journey). Organizations such as the Acid Survivors Foundation and the Acid Survivors' Network provide crucial support to victims (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29727876, https://www.actionaid.org.uk/our-work/vawg/acid-attacks).
The impact on victims extends beyond the immediate physical injuries. Many face significant challenges in accessing appropriate medical care, legal support, and social reintegration. The rise in demand for NHS help in the UK highlights the need for increased resources and support for acid attack victims (https://www.england.nhs.uk/2017/08/new-help-for-acid-attack-victims-following-recent-rise-in-demand-for-nhs-help/).
