Subhechcha Ganguly 
Breaking the Silence – Understanding and Supporting Acid Attack Survivors
Acid attacks remain one of the most brutal forms of gender-based violence, often targeting women due to rejection, jealousy, or personal vendettas. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), India reported over 150 acid attack cases annually in recent years, though experts believe the actual numbers may be higher due to underreporting. Survivors not only endure physical trauma but also face severe emotional scars and social ostracization. As we observe National Awareness Week, we sit down with Riddhima Sen, a prominent advocate for women’s rights, to explore how society can better support acid attack survivors and dismantle the stigma surrounding them.
1. Riddhima, acid attack survivors often speak of isolation that follows the physical trauma. What, in your opinion, is the root of this social alienation, and how can we as a society change this narrative?
Answer: Acid attack survivors often have to deal with social stigmas and isolation. This social alienation is rooted deeply in social norms, customs, and the culture of victim blaming. Despite the victim not being at fault, they are isolated and alienated as if they are responsible for affecting the society detrimentally, and are highly unacceptable. In order to bring about change, it is necessary to raise awareness regarding acid attacks, and the idea of severe punishment for perpetrators should be implemented.
2. Despite legal reforms, acid attacks continue to occur. What additional measures—legal, educational, or societal—do you believe are urgently needed to prevent such acts of violence?
Answer: Educational and societal measures are the additional measures which are needed to prevent further acid attacks from happening. Educating people, especially young boys, regarding how to deal with rejection and treat it in a healthy manner, and doing away with the custom of victim shaming and blaming would add to the prevention of such violence. As for legal measures, introducing strict rules of punishment may help. Instilling fear amidst the perpetrators is really crucial.
3. Media often plays a huge role in shaping public opinion. How should the media responsibly represent acid attack survivors to raise awareness without sensationalizing their trauma?
Answer: Media should responsibly represent acid attack survivors without sensationalizing trauma, by depicting the story just as it is, without adding any masala to it. Instead, the media should focus on the perpetrator being punished, so that an example is set for the future.
4. Many survivors struggle to reintegrate into the workforce or education system due to stigma. What kind of support systems—public or private—would you like to see in place to help rebuild their lives?
Answer: When an acid attack survivor goes out in the public domain, they often face massive backlash . Rebuilding their position in the public space would be a lovely thing to witness, since the private space is already easier for most of the people. People cannot be support systems easily, but hope should always be there . Unless the society actually tries to understand the issue deeply , nothing would really be possible.
5. On a personal note, what inspired your involvement in this cause, and what message would you like to send to survivors who are still finding their voice?
Answer: On a personal note, the desire to fight against this violence inspired my involvement in this cause. According to me, survivors are beautiful and brave just the way they are, no matter what the rotten society thinks.
