Bangalore: Bangalore is now getting known for the increasing number of cases of acid attacks. Several cases have been reported in recent years. There has not been much focus on the psychosocial impact that these attacks have on the victims.

Hemavathi, 26, an employee of a refrigerator-servicing unit, sustained severe burns after a man poured acid on her on Wednesday. She has now been admitted to Victoria Hospital.

Members of the Campaign and Struggle against Acid Attacks on Women (CSAAAW) said they tried to speak to Ms. Hemavathi on Wednesday, but she was in terrible pain.

CSAAAW is a coalition comprising Mahila Jagruti, Pedestrian Pictures, Hengasira Hakkina Sangha, People's Union for Civil Liberties (Karnataka), and several other organisations.

"Ms. Hemavathi was not in a condition to speak to us. Her relatives too were not forthcoming. We will try to help her after she has recovered a bit," said Mallige of Mahila Jagruti.

Plea to doctors

She said that CSAAAW members spoke to the doctors and urged them to provide Ms. Hemavathi best treatment available at the hospital.

"We have asked for the FIR copy. The police suspect it to be the handiwork of her ex-husband," she said.

Sanjana of CSAAAW said the acid attacks have impacts on two levels. The immediate impact is that of physical struggle and trauma that the victims have to go through. The second impact is lack of a strong support system during the recovery.

Pushed into distress

"Most of the victims are disfigured by the attack. After the attack, they ask for a mirror, as they want to ascertain the damage themselves. They are worried about disfigurement because of the patriarchal values of our society. Often, the victims are ostracised by their families and society," she said.

G. Swaminathan, a clinical psychiatrist, said that it is important for the victims to opt for psychiatric help after the physical treatment. "The attack will have a long-term impact as it is severe. The long-term stress can be managed if the victims and their families go in for psychiatric treatment," he said.

After the attack, the victims may suffer from post-traumatic stress, which can be crippling. "The acid attack victims will be tired of recounting the experience to unprofessional people. They do not consider counselling seriously.

"They are underestimating the importance of emoting. Under the guidance of a trained counsellor, the victims will be bringing out repressed emotions," he said.

Dr. Swaminathan said the victims tend to develop behavioural disorders after the attack. "They will experience repeated flashbacks and will see a threat in every corner. Because of this, many refuse to come out of the house and interact with people," he said.

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