Characteristics of acid attacks involving children in India

Area of Science:

• Forensic Medicine
• Paediatric Surgery
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Acid attacks are a severe form of violence with devastating physical and psychological consequences.
• Paediatric acid attack survivors represent a vulnerable subgroup requiring specific attention.
• Understanding the characteristics and motivations behind these attacks is crucial for prevention and support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize acid attack survivors aged 16 years or younger at the time of assault.
• To identify the primary reasons and circumstances leading to acid attacks on children and adolescents.
• To document the injuries sustained and outcomes for young acid attack victims.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case file review was conducted using data from the Chhanv and Laxmi Foundations in India.
• Cases involving victims aged 16 years or younger at the time of acid attack were included.
• Data collected included age, sex, reason for attack, injuries, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Ten cases were identified: eight girls (3-16 years) and two boys (12, 14 years).
• Head and neck regions were the primary targets in all identified cases.
• Motivations included refusal of sexual advances, family violence/child abuse, property disputes, and gang violence.

Conclusions:

• Paediatric acid attacks, though seemingly rare, have diverse and concerning motivations.
• Non-governmental organizations play a vital role in the rehabilitation of child and adolescent acid attack survivors.
• Increased media and social network dissemination of acid attacks may potentially lead to a rise in cases.