Acid violence: A burning impact on women of Bangladesh-case study

Acid throwing on the face and body of another person to cause or produce grievous injuries is a barbaric act of vengeance. For the last few years, it has been on the rise in both urban and rural areas of Bangladesh. The perpetrators are mostly men and adolescent boys. The victims are females and mostly young girls.

The objective of this study was to analyze some case studies to find out the reasons for attacks, and the application of acid control act and the result of its application and to estimate which age groups are more vulnerable for acid attacks. Cheap and easy availability of acids makes it the most effective weapon for man to use against girls’ or young women for revenge and is one of the extreme forms of repression and violation of women's right.

The study population consisted of victims of acid throwing admitted in the Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) and coming from all parts of the country. Face to face interview with the help of an interviewer administered questionnaire was conducted on 20 cases of acid victims.

The study results reported that most of the acid victims were in the age group 10–14 yrs. (35%) and 15–19 yrs. (30%). Marital status of the acid victims revealed that majority of victims was unmarried (65%). Among the victims, 65% were students and 35% were housewives. Analysis of the causes revealed that 50% of cases was due to refusal of love/marriage/sex (50%) and 30% because of land/property/money dispute. Causes analysis also revealed that the acid victims, age group 10–14 yrs were mostly affected by acid violence due to refusal of love/marriage/sex (71.4%). The age group 15–19 yrs were also affected due to refusal of love/marriage/sex (83.3%) and the age group 20–24 yrs were due to land/property/money dispute (66.7%). The study also reported that 100% of these cases were filed at the police station but perpetrators were arrested in 65% cases and 35% were not arrested. Out of 65% cases, only 10% perpetrators were duly punished.

The consequence of acid attacks on survivors brings dramatic change in their lifestyle. Most of them have to give up their education or work. Social isolation, fear of further attacks, and insecurity damage their self-esteem and confidence. Illiteracy, poverty, threats to further retribution, and ignorance about legal support increase their miseries. Gradual increase of acid attacks suggests that legal provisions and their enforcement are not adequate and effective. Social awareness, economical and psychological support, rehabilitation, and strict enforcement of laws are key to combat acid violence in Bangladesh.

Although it occurs throughout Bangladesh, there are limited data from reliable sources about the real number of attacks, the rehabilitation of survivors, and the outcomes for perpetrators. The study suggests that further research is required to fill these gaps and that consideration be given to capacity building data management at the point of service delivery, the application of acid control act and acid crime act and the result of its application as well as women empowerment.