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“Justice must be swifter for acid attack survivors”

Published

8 years ago

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Dr Prathishta Trivedi

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Mumbai-based clinical psychologist Dr Prathishta Trivedi has specialised in counselling victims of violence. These include women who have faced acid attacks and who remain psychologically traumatised by this horrific act.  She addresses mental health issues for women and children in both government and private hospitals. On International Women’s Day, Rashme Sehgal interviews Dr Trivedi

What is the immediate trauma women face when acid is thrown at them? Can you describe this?

Immediately after the acid attack, the victim will suffer very, very intense physical and psychological trauma. The acid burns their skin. If it is thrown on the face, the eyelids, lips can burn, the nose and ears can shrivel and if they inhale the fumes, it will burn their insides, too. Acid burns you, the flesh melts and sticks together and the internal organs can get affected. If the scar tissue stretches and covers the nose, the victim has a problem in breathing. A victim can become unconscious though she will not die immediately. At the time of the attack, the psychological trauma is secondary.

What is the nature of the psychological trauma they experience?

Victims of acid attack suffer a complete loss of identity. When we look into the mirror, we see two eyes, a nose, a pair of lips. After the attack, the physical appearance gets significantly distorted and the individual finds it very difficult to adjust to this. After all, not only do they have to perceive themselves under the changed circumstances but outsiders, whether it is family or members of society, are also looking at them. The person feels very helpless. The first question they ask me when they come for counseling ‘why me’? They also realise just how little freedom they actually have. These victims tell me that they believed they had freedom over their lives and so, if they turned down a proposal or said no to getting married, they did so under the belief that they could do so. Not once did they realise they would be made to pay such a heavy price. Most of these victims belong to the 15-25 age group. Following the attack, they suffer recurrent nightmares; they cannot sleep; they are scared of stepping out of their homes. This post acid traumatic syndrome stays with them for a long time.

India is witnessing an increasing number of acid attacks and NGOs dealing with acid attack victims warn that the numbers went up to 1,600 attacks in 2016. The Acid Survivors Foundation India had collated from newspaper reports that there were 80 victims in 2010.

I do not know the exact numbers but many of these victims belong to the lower socio-economic sections though I would not like to generalise. Very few victims are able to come for individual counselling sessions. Some of these women will approach NGOs and human right organisations for assistance but mental health takes a back seat in their lives. That is very unfortunate because they all suffer from tremendous levels of depression and stress. Often, when NGOs call us to interact with these victims then they realise we are available to help them. I think only ten per cent of victims seek any kind of psychiatric assistance. It’s a very bleak situation.

You see, counselling is a long term intervention and can carry on for years. Mental health by law is not considered a necessity. The Supreme Court has directed that each victim be given Rs three lakhs and not be charged for medical treatment. Each of these victims often has to undergo 50 to 60  plastic surgeries for the face reconstruction. In a government setting, they are not charged and they seldom approach private hospitals for assistance.

How do the victims feel during this long process of reconstructive surgery?

The impact of the acid attack is for everyone to see.  Everyone knows what has happened. Unfortunately, the talk around them is very negative because people stop treating them the way they used to before the attack.

I would say these victims need rehabilitation; they need a job. I believe they lead very lonely lives.  They also suffer from an acute sense of fear.  Every time they meet people, they are scared they may be attacked again. Even when victims want to come out of it, people don’t allow them to do so. They are boxed into that experience because their entire life is being defined by the attack.

When they wear clothes or comb their hair, their attempt will be to cover their scars. Their physical, social and occupational life is defined by this. They need empathy, they do not need pity.

Are parents supportive of acid victims?

Parents are supportive but they are also helpless. Many of them suffer from a lack of resources and that can prove a major obstacle in helping the victim.

Why are shopkeepers still permitted to sell acid over the counter?

Our laws are not strict. For any law to be implemented, people must be willing to follow it. Shopkeepers have been asked to take the address of the person buying acid but this is not adhered to. Why should acid be available for shopkeepers? It should be available only in an industrial setting. But I know of an attacker who took out acid from a car battery. Another perpetrator took it out of an industrial setting. Justice needs to be much swifter in punishing the attackers.

What is the psychology of the attacker?

It’s an act of aggression, an act of passion. The perpetrator feels a sense of hurt and injustice and by throwing acid he believes he is getting justice. The perpetrator is performing an act of revenge over a perceived rejection by a woman. Sometimes it is done over a family fight. There are cases of men attacking other men but it remains largely a gendered form of violence.

There is an accusation that some NGOs misuse the funds they have collected in the name of acid victims?

It may be so in some cases. This amounts to adding insult to injury.

How has counselling helped acid victims?

It takes years for them to come out of the trauma, to gain peace of mind and become more empowered because they do feel a great deal of frustration. Doctors do reconstructive surgery but they cannot make the face and body the same as before and the person has to make peace with that. It’s a lot of acceptance. Once that happens, the adjustment process starts.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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India News

Parliament winter session: Government lists 15 bills, including Waqf bill

The session will kick off on November 25 and conclude on December 20.

Published

15 hours ago

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November 21, 2024

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The government has listed five new ones and one to amend the contentious Waqf law out of 15 bills for the winter session of Parliament. The session will kick off on November 25 and conclude on December 20.

The government has introduced five new bills, including the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, which aims to promote coasting trade and increase the participation of Indian-flagged vessels owned and operated by Indian citizens for both national security and commercial purposes.

Another significant legislation that will be introduced by the government is the Indian Ports Bill, 2024. This bill is designed to implement measures for the conservation of ports, enhance security, and manage pollution, ensuring compliance with India’s international obligations and statutory requirements.

Additionally, the government plans to introduce the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, which aims to meet India’s obligations under maritime treaties and support the development of Indian shipping while ensuring the efficient operation of the Indian mercantile marine in a way that serves national interests.

Pending legislation includes the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which is awaiting consideration and passage after the joint committee of both Houses submits its report to the Lok Sabha. The committee is expected to report by the end of the first week of the winter session.

Currently, there are eight bills, including the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, pending in the Lok Sabha, while two additional bills are in the Rajya Sabha.

Furthermore, the government has also listed the Punjab Courts (Amendment) Bill for introduction, consideration, and passage, which seeks to increase the pecuniary appellate jurisdiction of Delhi district courts from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.

The Merchant Shipping Bill, along with the Coastal Shipping Bill and the Indian Ports Bill, is slated for introduction and eventual passage.

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International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant against Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu over war crimes

The court accused Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Gallant of crimes against humanity, including murder, persecution, inhumane acts, and the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare.

Published

16 hours ago

on

November 21, 2024

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International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant against Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu over war crimes

The International Criminal Court (ICC) today issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The court accused Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Gallant of crimes against humanity, including murder, persecution, inhumane acts, and the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare. The leaders allegedly restricted essential supplies such as food, water, and medical aid to civilians in Gaza, resulting in severe humanitarian crises and deaths, including among children.

Last year in October, Israel had launched attacks on Gaza in retaliation for the surprise attack by Hamas. The Israel-Hamas war has led to the death of thousands of civilians, while lakhs have been displaced. The major infrastructures in Gaza, including hospitals and schools, were also destroyed as Israel vowed to wipe out Hamas.

The International Criminal Court stated that it found reasonable grounds to believe the accused intentionally targeted civilians and limited medical supplies, forcing unsafe medical procedures, which caused immense suffering. This ruling was based on the findings from at least October 8, 2023 until at least May 20, 2024.

The court remarked that it has assessed that there are reasonable grounds to believe that PM Netanyahu and Defence Minister Gallant bear criminal responsibility as civilian superiors for the war crime of intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population of Gaza.

Furthermore, it also noted that the lack of food, water, electricity and fuel, and medical supplies created conditions of life calculated to bring about the destruction of part of the civilian population in Gaza, leading to death of civilians, including children due to malnutrition and dehydration.

Additionally, the International Criminal Court dismissed two challenges by Israel against its jurisdiction in the situation in the State of Palestine.

Notably, Israel had contested the ICC’s jurisdiction, claiming it could not be exercised without Israel’s consent. Nonetheless, the Chamber ruled that the Court has jurisdiction based on Palestine’s territorial scope, including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. It further noted that Israel’s objections were premature, as jurisdictional challenges under the Rome Statute can only be made after an arrest warrant is issued.

Reportedly, Israel had also requested a fresh notification regarding the investigation, started in 2021. Denying the request, the court stated that Israel had earlier declined to request a deferral, making additional notifications unnecessary.

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Yogi Adityanath accords tax-free status to Sabarmati Report film in Uttar Pradesh

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have also praised this film.

Published

16 hours ago

on

November 21, 2024

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday accorded a tax-free status to ‘The Sabarmati Report’ film, based on the train burning incident at Godhra in Gujarat in 2002, in the state.

The announcement was made after Chief Minister Adityanath attended the screening of Vikrant Massey and Raashii Khanna-starrer ‘The Sabarmati Report’ in Lucknow with the film’s cast.  

Speaking to reporters, actor Vikrant Massey thanked the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister for making ‘The Sabarmati Report’ film tax-free in the state. “I want to thank Yogi Adityanath ji. This is an important film and I appeal to everyone to go and watch this film,” he said.

Chief Minister Adityanath along with many of his cabinet colleagues watched the film ‘The Sabarmati Report’ under a special screening at a cinema hall in the capital, said a spokesperson of the state government.

Several people associated with the film unit were also present on the occasion. Later the chief minister announced to make this film tax-free in UP.

The BJP-ruled states have been praising the makers of The Sabarmati Report, claiming the team has tried to bring out this truth in front of the people of the country through the film.

The saffron party is appealing to people to watch this film and try to get closer to the truth of Godhra.

Uttar Pradesh becomes the sixth BJP-ruled state after Haryana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat to declare lead actors Vikrant Massey and Raashii Khanna’s film tax-free.

Adityanath said along with identifying the faces of those who are conspiring against the country for political gains, there is also a need to expose them. The film team has discharged its responsibilities to expose the truth, he said, adding an attempt has been made to bring the real truth in front of the country in a big way through the film.

The Sabarmati Report is said to be based on the incident of setting fire to a train full of ‘karsevaks’ in Godhra on February 27, 2002, killing 90 devotees. After this incident, communal riots broke out in Gujarat. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have also praised this film.

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