Acid Attack, also known as vitriolage, is a monstrous crime where a perpetrator uses acid as a weapon to disfigure, torture, or kill others. With an intention to harm and distort the appearance of the victim, acid is thrown by the perpetrator on the victim’s body. Such attacks often occur out of jealousy or rejection or serious grudges against someone. There are many reasons for attacks against individuals and it varies from a country to another.
For instance, the acid attack UK, Greece, and Indonesia are related to conflicts between criminal gangs. However, in India, it is usually thrown on females for rejecting marriage proposals. It could also happen for bringing less dowry, or refusal to have sex. In Jamaica, women throw acid on other women on the conflict over male partners.
Also, in many countries, it has been labeled as a gender crime like in Bangladesh for the dominance of female victims. In some of the countries both males and females are attacked based on religion. Well, these kinds of reasons to throw acid on a living being are in no way sane. And hence, it’s even more crucial to make these attackers or people, in general, to understand how an action like this causes bad impacts on the victim’s life.
What impact does an Acid attack have on an Acid Attack Victim?
It is not easy for an acid attack survivor to accept their damaged body part. Being highly corrosive, acid rapidly corrodes skin, the layer of fat beneath the skin and sometimes it may even affect bones. Apart from destroying physical appearances, the acid attack victims also face long term consequences of such attacks. These consequences include social, psychological, and economic difficulties.
They may face mental health issues upon recovery. Many victims are reported with anxiety, depression, and psychological distress on the concern for their appearance. Usually, victims are observed with low self-esteem and increased self-consciousness.
In addition to this, an acid attack victim is deeply affected by social implications. Due to his or her physical appearance, he or she is not able to find suitable work. Moreover, being physically handicapped makes her or him dependant on others. Acid attack survivors further suffer physically and go through mental trauma as well.
Rules of Buying and Selling Acid
With an increase in the number of acid attacks all over the globe, a check on buying and selling of acid should be done. Regulation of acid sales is very important as acid bottles are cheap and readily available. Apart from that, it is used in many industries and thus it is not possible to ban it completely.
However, the regulation of acid sales should be done responsibly. Most of us are unaware of the laws of buying and selling acid. For instance, according to the Supreme Court of India, to buy and sell of acid certain rules should be followed under the Poison Act, 1919. Certain rules are for the same are given below:
Rules under the Poison Act
- A buyer should be of 18 years or above and requires a photo ID to buy acid.
- The buyer’s address proof needs to be submitted.
- Sellers must have a license to sell and they must provide a report on the amount of acid sold to the police.
Many countries have come up with a punishment for such heinous acts. Like in Pakistan, under the Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Bill 2011, individuals responsible for acid attacks are fined. They are further given life imprisonment for what they have done. Additionally, under the Qisas law of Pakistan, section 299, the perpetrator could suffer the same fate as the victim. Moreover, they may be punished by placing a few drops of acid in their eyes.
Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are formed to combat such attacks. These organizations provide rehabilitation services for survivors in the hope to become support. They further spread awareness against such assault. They offer medical and psychological support as well to reform the society.
Apart from that, some of the NGOs even raise valuable funds to support survivors. They are continuously working to increase pressure on residing governmental organizations. Further, they are introducing stricter control on the sale and purchase of acid.
First Aid for Acid Attack Victim
For acid attack victims, people are advised to go for first and fast aid, before an ambulance arrives. Here we have a few steps, which are advised to be followed:
- At first, immediately wash the affected areas with plenty of fresh or saline water. Don’t even think to wash the acid affected area with dirty water as it can cause severe infection.
- Remove all the ornaments or clothes, which had contact with acid right away.
- Avoid the use of any kind of cream or ointment on the affected area as it can cause further damage.
- If possible, loosely wrap the affected area with sterilized gauze as it protects the skin from air and dirt.
- Ask visitors not to bring food for the patients with them.
Well, it is important to look after the cleanliness of the acid patient even if they are admitted to a hospital. Moreover, in order to avoid any infection from occurring, clean the patient two-three times a day. Dressings should be changed frequently keeping it as a priority in such cases. Furthermore, patients may also require physiotherapy to cure damaged nerves under their skin. Apart from that, in severe cases, reconstructive surgery may be required.
Final Words
When it comes to an acid attack, it should be the responsibility of every citizen not to indulge in such acts. We should start working against acid attacks on an individual level. Moreover, in order to avoid such activities, we should immediately report an illegal acid sale. Being a responsible citizen, we must follow rules and protect other citizens.
Also, it’s equally important to not treat any acid attack victim differently from other human beings. Acid attack survivors are no way less than any other person and deserve to be equally treated. And hence, their life should not change when such things occur. It should be the life of the attacker that needs to be changed by taking strict actions. In the end, be aware of such activities that might be happening around you.
