Acid attack survivors

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Simon Rawles / Acid Survivors

In Bangladesh there is an acid attack every two days. Readily available, hydrochloric acid is a devastating weapon. It eats through skin and bone. Jealous husbands, spurned lovers, domestic violence - the circumstances behind each attack vary. Yet the majority of acid crimes are directed at women, and 99 per cent are perpetrated by men. They occur against a backdrop where women are routinely denied their rights and independence. According to recent...
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Simon Rawles / Acid Survivors

In Bangladesh there is an acid attack every two days. Readily available, hydrochloric acid is a devastating weapon. It eats through skin and bone. Jealous husbands, spurned lovers, domestic violence - the circumstances behind each attack vary. Yet the majority of acid crimes are directed at women, and 99 per cent are perpetrated by men. They occur against a backdrop where women are routinely denied their rights and independence. According to recent figures, the number of women being attacked is rising.

The portraits reflect the bravery and dignity of these people. They are getting on with life despite the trauma they have suffered and the huge social challenges their physical impairments present.

Acid violence impacts upon the whole family. The children and men included in the series were attacked as a result of violence directed towards their mothers and wives.

The images are accompanied by powerful accounts of the acid attack and the path to rehabilitation.

UK-based ngo VSO facilitated my work with the acid attack survivors.
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