Frequently asked questions around corrosive violence

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Are you looking for answers to our most frequently asked questions? Here they are.

What is acid violence?

Acid attacks are a form of violent assault involving the act of throwing acid or a similarly corrosive substance onto someone’s body with the intention to harm or kill. Given its nature, the effects of an acid attack prompt instant and excruciating pain, and injuries cause life changing disabilities.

Why does it happen?

Every year thousands of people across the world are subjected to deliberate and pre-meditated attacks with Nitric, Hydrochloric or Sulphuric Acid. Attacks often occur as a result of domestic or land disputes, a violent act of revenge towards a girl or woman rejecting a marriage proposal or spurned sexual advances. During an attack children are often in close proximity to their mother and as a result suffer burns. Sadly children are also deliberate targets of attacks.

Attacks are most common in societies with unequal relations between men and women, and where the rule of law is weak. The easy availability of acid, such as Nitric or Sulphuric Acid used in manufacturing and processing cotton and rubber, contributes to incidents of acid violence in many countries.

Where does it happen?

Acid attacks are a worldwide phenomenon that are not restricted to a particular race, religion or geographical location. They occur in many countries in South-East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, the West Indies and the Middle East, and there is anecdotal evidence of attacks in other regions. In many countries acid attacks constitute a hidden form of violence against women and children that often goes unreported, and the true number of horrific attacks taking place has only come to light after in-depth research by ASTI and its partners.

What are the effects of acid burns on skin?

Acid causes the skin and flesh tissue to melt, often exposing and dissolving the bones below. Survivors face permanent disfigurement and often social isolation - devastating their self-esteem and psychological wellbeing. A survivor needs immediate specialist medical treatment, sanctuary, reconstructive surgery, follow up physiotherapy, counselling and long-term support to rebuild their life. A survivor often requires dozens of surgical procedures. Child victims require extra long-term specialist care from paediatric surgeons (reconstructive and ophthalmic), physiotherapists and counsellors – specialist skills that are often lacking in many countries in which acid violence is prevalent.

How do you treat acid burns?

Please visit our page about what to do in an acid attack

How can we stop it from happening?

Through education and raising awareness of the root causes of acid violence, as well as advocating for stricter laws and ensuring the safe storage and handling of corrosive substances, we can prevent acid violence from happening.

Does ASTI support survivors of acid violence?

With ASTI's help, our global 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 with the result being a sustained decrease in the number of acid attacks worldwide.

How can my company/organisation work with ASTI?

ASTI has partnered and received grants from the United Nations, the British Government and numerous Foundations on delivering medical, legal, awareness raising, advocacy, rehabilitation and livelihood projects in multiple countries including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Uganda and Cambodia. Whether you have a specific project in mind, or you would like to have a conversation about how your business/organisation can make positive change in the fight against acid violence – we would love to hear from you.

I want to help the fight against acid violence

There are many ways you can support ASTI’s work – through donating, fundraising through a challenge event, supporting us on social media or advocating and using your voice to spread awareness about acid violence. Please visit our Support section to find out more.

What is the difference between acid and alkali?

Acids and alkalis are two opposing groups of chemicals which are common in daily life, but which become highly corrosive the stronger they are.
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Acids are characterized by their ability to donate protons (hydrogen ions) in solution, resulting in a low pH value. Common examples include hydrochloric acid (found in stomach acid), sulfuric acid (used in car batteries), and citric acid (found in fruits like lemons and oranges).
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Alkalis, also known as bases, are substances that accept protons or donate hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution, leading to a high pH value. Common alkalis include sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), potassium hydroxide (used in manufacturing soap), and ammonia (found in cleaning products).
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Their strength is measured using the PH scale, which spans from 0 to 14. Substances with a PH level below neutral (7) are acidic, while those with a higher level are alkaline. Each becomes more corrosive the further from neutral they are found to be.

A.S.T.i

Acid SURVIVORS TRUST INTERNATIONAL