A WORLDWIDE PROBLEM

Acid attacks happen across the world and it affects women disproportionally. Although it is also unacceptable when acid violence occurs against men, acid violence is a form of violence that has a disproportionate impact on women. It reflects and perpetuates discrimination of women and girls in society, as such it is prohibited by international law. However, all too often it’s a crime that goes unreported and unpunished: survivors of acid attacks live in fear of reprisals for reporting the attack.

COLOMBIA

Colombia has approximately 100 recorded attacks a year and with a population of around 48 million this makes attacks in Colombia one of the highest per capita.
UNITED KINGDOM

In 2016, in London alone, corrosive substances were used in 454 crimes. In the UK, unlike many countries, men make up the majority of victims.
ITALY

In recent years Italy has seen an increase. There were 27 registered assaults in 2016, compared with eight in 2013. Unlike the UK, the majority of victims are women and attacks committed by ex-boyfriends or husbands.
IRAN

Anecdotal evidence suggests that acid violence is common in Iran. However it is very difficult to obtain official statistics on numbers.
AFGANISTAN

There have been a number of reported cases in Afghanistan. It is likely that acid violence is common but unreported in Afghanistan. The Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission reported a seven percent rise in violent assaults against women — from 1,394 to 2,579 — in the last two years.
UGANDA

There were 382 victims of acid violence in Uganda between 1985 and May 2011. Of the 382 cases, the majority (58%) were recorded in the Central region of Uganda.
CAMBODIA

There was a sharp increase in number of recorded attacks in 2000 (40 attacks). Numbers of recorded attacks have now declined to single figures.
NEPAL

In Nepal, acid throwing is not very common, but there are a high number of burns cases caused by kerosene. The vast majority of victims are women.
PAKISTAN

Pakistan has seen a dramatic decline since 2014 (153 reported attacks in that year). But the real number will be higher.
BANGLADESH

Attacks in Bangladesh peaked at around 400 in 2002 but attacks have now declined to under 100 per year.
INDIA

India had approx. 300 recorded attacks in 2016. These are recorded attacks. Many attacks go unreported which means that the real number is likely to exceed 1000.

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SURVIVORS STORIES

The effect of acid on the skin is immediate and devastating. As a consequence survivors of acid and burn attacks suffer enormous physical and psychological trauma. The path to recovery is long and difficult. Survivors often require long term medical and psycho-social support.

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OUR IMPACT

Working in partnership with local partners Acid Survivors Trust International has delivered real impact. Through ASTI help our partners have provided direct support to thousands of survivors globally. We have helped to train hundreds of local surgeons in many countries including Pakistan, Nepal, India and Uganda, who in turn have treated thousands of survivors. We are also focused on systemic change, changing laws and changing attitudes. We have helped to change laws in Colombia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Uganda and Cambodia. Acid violence has decreased significantly in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Cambodia.

54 SURVIVORS ACCESS PROFESSIONAL SKILLS TRAINING AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT

55 SURVIVORS ACCESS SKILLS TRAINING AND/OR START UP KIT/FINANCIAL SUPPORT

152 SURVIVORS BENEFITED FROM MEDICAL AND PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES

151 SURVIVORS BENEFIT FROM LEGAL SUPPORT

6360

COMMUNITY MEMBERS REACHED THROUGH CAMPAIGN MATERIALS OR STREET THEATRE

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YOU CAN PLAY YOUR PART

Start learning more about acid violence. Keep updated on the latest news and add your voice to ending acid violence. You can support our work by donating and fundraising.

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COPYRIGHT

© 2017

Acid Survivors Trust International

 

Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTI)  is a UK registered charity no. 1154961

 

Patron: Her Royal Highness

The Princess Royal