Acid Attack: A Devastating Violence Against Women

Abstract

This article will explore the problem of acid attack as a gender-related crime. We analyse the socio-legal status of this crime as a form of violence in comparison of other forms of violence in the Indian context with the help of secondary data. The patriarchal notion of women is that the body is her only respect, and its violation is ultimate punishment. The number of acid attacks is increasing every passing year. The latest report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2016 recorded 283 incidents under the section of acid attack (‘Living in the shadows’- A project for acid attack victims by Haryana State legal Services Authority). It revealed that the most of the reported acid attack cases are due to refusal of marriage or rejection of romance. We discuss the consequences of acid attack and the legal framework available to address this problem.

Acid attacks and epistemic (in)justice: Violence, everyday resistance and hermeneutical responsibilities in the Indian Hindi film Chhapaak

“…The detrimental consequences of an acid attack extend beyond physical harm, encompassing psychological, emotional, and economic challenges. These multifaceted issues underscore the profound impact of such attacks on the victim's sense of self and identity (Ghosal & Chattopadhyay, 2021, p. 133). The individuals affected by the acid attacks have endured psychological trauma as well as persistent symptoms of anxiety and sadness, even following their physical recuperation.…”

“…The hermeneutical responsibilities mentioned involve ensuring equitable representation and rights for survivors of acid attacks, recognizing and addressing the political and economic factors that perpetuate and reinforce gender‐based injustice and violence, and implementing an effective and prominent approach to incorporating gender‐related factors into policymaking, thereby integrating gender into the overall policy framework. Moreover, films such as Chhapaak also shed light on the necessity of addressing socio‐ethical, moral, and cultural responsibilities (Ghosal & Chattopadhyay, 2021; Goswami & Handa, 2020; Kuriakose et al, 2017). These responsibilities include gender sensitization revolving around patriarchal and hegemonic knowledge systems and practices, providing comprehensive psychological support through long‐term counseling, ensuring access to well‐equipped medical facilities, implementing fair compensation schemes for survivors, fostering ethically and epistemically responsible media coverage of such attacks, establishing safe spaces for survivors to engage in their daily activities, and cultivating a sense of solidarity among them.…”