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 delves 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 media, from documentaries to memes, and expose 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 to support and resources, from NGOs and protection officers to mental health professionals.

Shalini Mittal is a highly accomplished Assistant Professor of Psychology at the School of Liberal Arts, Bennett University, India. She completed her Honours in Psychology from the University of Delhi and earned her master’s in Psychology with specialization in Clinical Psychology from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. 

Tushar Singh is currently working as Assistant Professor (Senior Grade) at the Department of Psychology, Banaras Hindu University, India. He obtained his D.Phil in Psychology from the University of Allahabad. He has more than fifteen years of teaching experience in premier institutes like the Centre for Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Allahabad, and Amity University.