Acid Violence Against Women in India: A Socio-Psychological Analysis of Causes, Consequences and Prevention
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29070/aq9qbf59Keywords:
Acid violence, acid attack, women, gender-based violence, psychological trauma, patriarchy, social stigma, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, victim compensation, rehabilitation, prevention, gender justiceAbstract
Acid violence constitutes one of the most brutal forms of gender-based violence because its consequences extend far beyond the moment of physical assault. The throwing or administering of a corrosive substance is frequently intended not merely to injure but to permanently disfigure, socially stigmatise, psychologically traumatise and economically marginalise the survivor. In India, women constitute a significant proportion of acid-attack survivors, and many attacks arise in contexts involving rejection of marriage or romantic proposals, stalking, domestic conflicts, dowry disputes, possessiveness, interpersonal revenge and attempts to control women's autonomy. Acid violence must therefore be understood not merely as an isolated criminal act but as a socio-psychological phenomenon rooted in unequal gender relations, patriarchal entitlement, distorted ideas of masculinity, inadequate emotional regulation and the instrumental use of disfigurement as punishment.
The Indian legal response has evolved substantially. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 introduced specific acid-attack offences through Sections 326-A and 326-B of the Indian Penal Code. Following the replacement of the IPC,1860 Section 124 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 now specifically criminalises causing grievous hurt by acid and attempts to use acid. Victim compensation, free medical treatment, regulation of acid sales and recognition of acid-attack survivors within disability law have further strengthened the legal framework. Nevertheless, gaps remain between formal legal protection and practical rehabilitation. This article examines the historical development, causes, psychological mechanisms, physical and socio-economic consequences, legal responses and preventive strategies concerning acid violence against women in India. Comparative experiences from Bangladesh and the United Kingdom demonstrate that effective prevention requires a combination of strict acid regulation, accountable enforcement, survivor-centred rehabilitation, gender-sensitive education and transformation of social attitudes. The article concludes that sustainable prevention must move beyond punitive legislation towards an integrated public-health, socio-psychological and human-rights approach.
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