Acid Attacks in India

This book delves into the devastating depths of acid attacks in India, unveiling the motives, the trauma, and the arduous road to rehabilitation. Unravelling the history and gendered aspects of acid violence, this book looks into the effects it leaves on individuals and society. It explores the complex motives driving attackers, from spurned love to property disputes, and dissects the weaponization of acid — a readily available item. Moving beyond sensationalized news headlines, it examines the nuanced portrayals of acid attacks in the media, from documentaries to memes, and exposes the cognitive biases that victimize survivors. Through extensive interviews and rigorous scientific analysis, this book explores the physical and psychological effects on the individual but also their resilience. Through powerful stories of coping, psychological rehabilitation, and post-traumatic growth, it delves into a model of rehabilitation based on extensive research, offering survivors hope. In order to aid future crime prevention, it profiles acid attack offenders, seeking to understand what fuels their actions. It critically examines the legal framework, analysing existing laws and advocating for stronger measures to combat this violence. It includes a section, ‘Reclaiming Your Strength’, which empowers survivors with a comprehensive guide with support and resources, and speaks to NGOs, protection officers and mental health professionals.

Shalini Mittal is Assistant Professor of Psychology at Bennett University, India, and researches trauma, resilience, and gender-based violence, focusing on marginalized communities. Holding a PhD from Banaras Hindu University, she combines fieldwork with survivor advocacy, partnering with NGOs to bridge research and real-world change, amplifying voices often silenced by stigma.

Tushar Singh is Professor in the Department of Psychology at Banaras Hindu University, India. He earned his DPhil in Psychology from the University of Allahabad. Dr. Singh has worked extensively on health, emotion, and cognition, and advocates for the rights of gender and social minorities. He has received prestigious awards, serves as editor for reputed journals, and has published extensively.