India ranks 125 out of 159 countries on the UN Gender Inequality Index (2015). This is largely because of crimes against women. Of these, the most significant and violent offence is acid attacks – a crime that needs immediate attention at a societal as well as legal level.

Helping Hands to Acid Victims

India tragically tops the global charts in terms of the number of acid attacks that are perpetrated each year. Of the total survivors, almost 50%  are from vulnerable age groups, ranging between 1 to 25 years old. Despite stringent laws, the number of such attacks continues to be on the rise. The culprits may face harsh punishments, but that doesn’t change the painful reality that their victims are forced to live with. 

Sudhir Foundation, has been relentlessly working for the betterment of acid attack survivors since 2008. They believe in providing equal opportunity to the survivors, along with good quality treatment and care. Towards this mission, the Foundation has set up a one-of-a-kind fundraising initiative, The Mega Medical Treatment Drive, to ensure free treatment to all acid attack survivors.

157+

Acid Victims Support Annually

Supporters:

Acid Attack is one of the most hurtful and destructive crime against women. It not only causes physical pain due to burns and wounds but also torchers the victim mentally for years or even lifetime. In a country where a whole majority prays to female Gods and regards women as Devis, such acts are done with reasons such as one-sided love, jealousy etc. Acid Attack need not be just against women but the statistics show it as a crime against women as the harming a woman’s facial features seems as a vengeful act to the culprits due to the beauty definitions of our shallow society. Thousands of women have suffered from this disgusting crime in our country which has left them feeling ugly, scary, lonely and damaged and has even led to suicide. This act seems so easy for the doer while the victim suffers such mental and social torment. What’s worse is that acid is so easily available in the market and is a common product among households for cleaning and other purposes. Hence, anyone who plans to do so can easily purchase or just pick a bottle from the house for such a purpose. While on the other hand, the victim has to suffer as well as fight for justice as per the hefty procedures of our legal system. The burns not only affect how one looks but have even led to such high degree burns that have caused visual, respiratory and other issues to the victim that even led to permanent disabilities. There have been many cases that have brought changes to the harsh reality and the development still continues. Various laws, guidelines, judgments etc. have brought in changes and helped the victims and there still is a lot to be done. The goal needs to be more than compensating the victims for what they suffer as no amount of money can actually compensate for it. The easy access to acid, the delay in compensation leading to further troubles in treatment, the society’s shallow beauty standards, the disgusting mindsets of the attackers and various other problems are to be addressed to. While some victims further become victims to the system and society, there are many others who have begun a war against this and are supported by the society as well. What has been done might be a lot but what has to be done is even more as the crime involves all aspects including social, personal, physical, moral etc.

At Sudhir Foundation, we recognise that women are not defined by the effects of acid attacks. In fact, we have seen many women, time and again, display immense reserves of personal strength when dealing with challenging circumstances. As they cross hurdle after hurdle, we stand by their side and help:

    • Build Multi-Disciplinary Partnerships
    • Create Targeted Awareness Campaigns
    • Conduct Comprehensive Research

What’s more, as part of our efforts to provide holistic rehabilitation, Meer Foundation supports multiple institutions, including those that provide:

Medical Aid
Legal Advice
Counseling Services
Vocational Training

24 / 7 Helpline: +91 92055 66055