VITRIOLAGE

Causes

This a gender issue! Often a crime of honour, it is an example of inequality. Common reasons for acid attacks include:

o Family honouro Rejectiono Land disputeso Dowry related

Family Honor

Refusing arranged marriage Adultery Victim of rape Disapproved (provocative) clothing Engaging in homosexual relations

Rejection

Romantic rejection is a painful, emotional experience

rejected individuals experience a range of negative emotions

Men are significantly more likely than women to react with rage

male stalkers are more likely to become violent.

Land Disputes

Erecting a building on land Claiming ownership by force Not transferring ownership Disputes with neighbours

Dowry Related

The practice of dowry abuse is rising in India.

Most of these incidents are reported as accidental burns in the kitchen or are disguised as suicide.

Why Acid Throwing

relatively cheap as compared to weapons like guns or machetes

preferred weapon for lack of other means readily at hand

By throwing acid men not only destroy women's faces, but also their chances for ever getting married

Physical trauma

Majority of acid attacks are aimed at the face.

The skull is partly destroyed/deformed and hair lost.

Ear cartilage is usually partly or totally destroyed; deafness may occur.

Acid directly in the eye also damages sight, sometimes causing blindness in both eyes.

Nose can become shrunken and deformed

Psychological Trauma

Acid assault survivors also face many mental health issues upon recovery.

lowered self-esteem negatively impacts their economic

viability abandonment by husbands found in 25%

acid assault cases acid survivors who are single when

attacked almost certainly become ostracized from society.

Video interview

Laws in other developing countries

Afghanistan- Elimination of Violence against Women Law (EVAW) in 2009

Bangladesh- The Acid Crime Control Act 2002

Cambodia- Acid control law-adopted in December 2011

Uganda- Penal Code Act Cap 120

Section 326- IPC The proposed Section 326A will read as follows : 326A. (i) Hurt by acid attack - Whoever burns or maims or disfigures or

disables any part or parts of the body of a person or causes grievous hurt by throwing acid on or administering acid to that person, with the intention of causing or with the knowledge that he is likely to cause such injury or hurt, shall be punishable with imprisonment of either description which shall not be less than 10 years but which may extend to life and with fine which may extend to rupees ten Lakhs provided that any fine levied under this section shall be given to the person on whom acid has been thrown or administered.

Classification of offence : Minimum Imprisonment of 10 years extendable up to imprisonment for life and fine. It should be made a cognizable, non- bailable, non-compoundable offence and triable by court of session.

(ii) Intentionally throwing or administering acid - Whoever throws acid on, or administers acid to, any person with the intention of causing burns or maiming or disfiguring or disabling or causing grievous hurt to that person shall be liable to imprisonment of either description for a term not less than five years but which may extend to 10 years and with fine which may extend to Rs. 5 Lakh.

Classification of offence: Minimum Imprisonment of five years extendable up to 10 years and fine. It should be made a cognizable, non- bailable, non-compoundable offence and triable by court of session.

Relief for Acid Victims

Limit over-the-counter acid sales to people over 18

the government should make acid attacks a non- bailable offense

Poem

Please listen to the poem carefully and try to feel the message the poet is trying to convey.

Thank you

Ammar JoharRohit Sanjay PrasadSayyed DharwarkarNayaab Azizi