“Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured” – Mark Twain

“Acid”……. when I think about acid it just terrifies me because acid was not discovered to use as a weapon but past few years some started using it as a weapon. Not only in India but in every corner of the world we can see acid used as a gun to defame or take revenge on others.

We can never feel the pain of an acid attack victim, every moment they have to fight not from others but themselves. It is very difficult for them to heal. In reality, they feel equal or more hurt, in their lives than a person who is shot with a gun.

I was wondering if acid is more dangerous than human emotions. Who is responsible for this?

Then I realize acid is just a weapon but behind the acid, the attacker is the most sinful man whose anger is destroying not only him, his family, his neighborhood, and most importantly the innocent person who feels the burn and enormous pain.

Let’s understand what is Acid.

Acid is a substance with a PH below 7, a sour taste, releases hydroxyl, and turns litmus paper red. Strong acids are corrosive while weak ones are harmless. Sulphuric acid or hydrochloric acid which are easily available in the market are used by men as a weapon to exploit women.

The motivation behind acid attacks is seldom homicidal. In maximum cases, acid is used maliciously to disfigure and distort the appearance of the victim. The majority of the reported acid attacks are committed against young women of marriageable age and the primary reasons are the rejection of a marriage proposal, refusal to enter into a romantic relationship, and withdrawal from an existing relationship. Sometimes disgruntled husbands use it to exact revenge when the wife brings less dowry, refuses to have sex, or is suspected of having illicit relations. The male ego, fed on patriarchy for centuries cannot handle rejection and retaliates in the most violent and damaging manner by throwing acid at the woman. The key factor in such cases is jealousy and revenge.

“People say inner beauty matters, but in reality, only a few people go beyond physical features.” These were the words of an acid attack victim, Lakshmi Agarwal. Her trauma made her close herself to the room where she was even afraid of seeing her face and every victim feels this pain. Pain is not only internal but also externally imposed by the comments and the taunts of society. Society does not accept them as normal human beings. You continue to face discrimination from society for years. Victims are not able to leave their homes thinking they would be made fun of. They fear the antagonistic attitude of the general public towards them.

Not only do victims feel shocked or traumatized in general but they also feel traumatized by the way they feel and think about themselves, society and everything. This occurs due to the horror they suffer while being attacked. This feeling of terror also dwells in them because it is unbearable for them to accept that they have to live with whatever disability they suffered throughout their lives. They suffer from depression weakness, tiredness, lack of concentration, and a dearth of hope for years if not for their entire life.

Though these days acid attacks are getting attention but much more needs to be done to prevent this dreadful crime. In previous years, we have seen many bills being passed, and many laws being amended but we know it is not enough. There is a serious need to regulate the sale of acid. The unregulated sale of acid is the major reason for the increasing number of these crimes. Deepika Padukone starred in the film Chappak also tries to bring light to this issue. We, as a society should understand the plight of the victims of acid attacks. Those victims already feel hopeless. But we must not let them think so. We should treat them as our equals. They deserve respect and dignity like any other human being. Apart from society, the law should ensure that justice is served and the victims get adequate compensation.

“He changed my face, not my heart. He threw acid on my face, not my dreams” – Lakshmi Agarwal