Blog # 3 Acid Attacks against Women

Chelsea Smothers

SOC 202-01

February 4, 2011

11:44 AM

Blog #3

Since 1999, there have been more than 3,000 reported acid attacks in Bangladesh. Since the government does not record official figures, the actual amount of victims is thought to be far higher. Acid attacks against women or girls range between 78 percent and 90 percent, and the majority of those are under 25 years of age. Although, acid attacks happen all over the world, they are most common in Bangladesh, Cambodia, and India. The acid attacks are so prevalent in these areas, due to the easy access of acid and how cheap it is. For example, a litre bottle of sulphuric acid in Dhaka can be purchased for Tk, 15, or about 13 pence. The results of acid attacks are devastating. The acid can eat through not only the skin, but the bone as well. It leaves burns that can permanately disfigure, and in the worse case, kill. There are various reasons for why the acid attacks occur, but the most common are due to domestic violence, divorce, and land disputes. In the case of acid attacks against women, they are usually done in order to ruin physical attractiveness to prevent other men from marrying her. This is why the most targetted area is the face. VSO, the International Development Organization is lobbying that the Britis government lend financial support to newly established UN women.

I find it morbid and horrible that a person could physically harm another in such a way. We always hear of shootings or stabbings taking place day to day, but we do not often hear of acid attacks. I find these acid attacks to be far much worse. The pain, I imagine, is long and sickening. Once the pain eventually does dissolve, the victims have permanent scars and burns they cause them to relive the pain every single day. No divorce, no land dispute, nothing is worth that type of pain and devestation to another. I believe what the VSO is lobbying is worthy and the newly establised women of the UN deserve financial support!

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/acid-attacks-facing-a-heinous-crime-2204294.html