Acid Attack - The Hidden Scars of Violence Against Women
An acid attack can leave lasting scars, physical disfigurement and permanent disability; including blindness and immobility in severe cases. Acid attacks are deadly as when used on the face it can burn or melt all skin and bone in its path; burning eyelids and lips and melting skin/bone at its point of impact while nose/ear shriveling/shrinking may take place simultaneously; eyes could possibly dissolve while noses shrivel up further and possibly lose cartilage over time.
Worldwide, approximately 1,500 acid attacks take place every year; unfortunately many go unreported for fear of reprisals. Most occur in South Asian countries where acid remains cheap and readily available as a weapon of torture and control over women and girls in particular; its use often motivated by revenge for rejection or sexual rejection and gendered attacks are almost exclusively male perpetrators with female victims being the primary target.
Acid damage to the face can burn or destroy all skin and bone in its path, leaving behind scarred skin or even permanent blindness. A damaged face can become an emotional scar for those living with it as well as prevent marriages or work opportunities; ActionAid works in Bangladesh where young girls often try to escape forced marriage by using force to escape it.
How to Help and Heal - A Guide for Acid Attack Survivors and Supporters
Acid attacks are an extreme form of gender-based violence in which acid or another corrosive substance is used to target individuals - often women and girls - with the intent of maiming or torturing them, leaving survivors permanently disfigured with severe health implications if they survive the attack.
Attacks by those close to victims - like former partners or family members who wish to exert control over them and prevent them from engaging in work or social activities - often come from within, especially in South Asian nations where acid remains easily available and affordable.
As soon as someone is attacked with acid, the first step should be getting them to a safe location where they can rest in peace and then help them rinse off their eyes with running water (ensuring it isn't too strong) before helping to rinse their contact lenses off with running water ( be careful that it doesn't contain too much detergent or harsh cleaners). Do not touch their eye directly as this could spread the acid around their wound and further injure other parts of their body.
Step one of responding to any acid attack should be calling emergency services and keeping bystanders away from the victim if they remain standing after being struck by acid. Victims may not be able to communicate properly because of pain, and might have acid on their hands; in these instances it would be wise for bystanders to stay far away. Whenever possible have them rinse their face with warm or cool water; deep breaths are recommended in order to clear away acid that has gotten into their lungs.
Acid Survivors - Stories of Courage and Resilience
Acid attacks involve the intentional throwing of any corrosive liquid onto a person's face and body to disfigure them, often leaving permanent scarring which impairs eyesight and social isolation; about 80 per cent of victims are female making this a form of gender-based violence.
Though most acid attack survivors do not seek revenge against their attackers, some have felt driven to do so. Although these attacks do not typically constitute murderous acts, rather they aim at disgracing and humiliating the victim; survivors can then experience physical, emotional and financial trauma that makes life extremely challenging - making employment or creating lives impossible in most cases.
grassroots women's organisations are the key to combatting violence against women. With their help, victims can receive medical care as needed while also altering laws that allow such crimes to take place. Laxmi Agarwal fought hard for Naeem Khan - her attacker who doused her in acid for rejecting his romantic advances - to be jailed for 10 years; furthermore, Laxmi also campaigned to define acid attacks as specific crimes with increased maximum jail sentences; compensation for survivors, rehabilitation services for survivors as well as reservation in schools and better job access opportunities for survivors and survivors.
Stop the Burn - How to Prevent and End Acid Attacks Worldwide
Katie Piper and others who have suffered acid attacks in the UK may garner headlines, yet most victims reside in developing nations where they face disfigurement, medical complications, psychological trauma and social and economic ostracism - many needing expensive long-term support to recover fully.
Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTI), an NGO in the UK that mobilises public support and works closely with governments, can effectively combat acid attacks. With their assistance, Pakistan and Cambodia governments introduced legislation regarding this topic which has led to successful prosecutions of women involved in acid attacks; but legislation alone will not suffice; gender inequality and discrimination that encourage such crimes must also be addressed in order to bring lasting change.
ASTI's local partners have assisted over 2000 survivors to rebuild their lives through access to quality medical treatment, family support services, education and training courses, rehabilitation and reintegration into society and policy-making influence through working with government, media and other stakeholders.
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