India ranks 125 out of 159 countries on the UN Gender Inequality Index (2015). This is largely because of crimes against women. The most significant and violent offence is acid attacks. The emotional and physical effects can sometimes be far more troubleing, victims feel that their only option is to end their own lives.
CAUSES
According to the Acid Survivors Foundation India, the causes behind acid attacks are-
| Rejecting offers of love/marriage/sex | 36% |
| Marital discord | 13% |
| Dowry | 5% |
| Land/professional disputes | 5% |
| No motive/for sadistic pleasure | 5% |
| Alcohol/drug-related attacks | 1% |
| Family disputes | 5% |
| Others (including 11% unintentional) | 30% |
OTHER FACTORS
- Easy availabilty of acid.
- Uncounselled anger and frustration.
- Discrimination against victims.
- Lack of stakeholders working on the issue, leading to poor data and information.
- Poor reporting rates for fear of retribution (in the form of ostracising or subsequent attacks)
- Inadequate implementation of regulations and policies.
Acid attacks have lifelong repercussions that are very difficult to ignore.
That’s why humanitarians across the country feel compelled to act, and this has led to the birth of numerous institutions and programmes that help these women take control of their lives again.
In the current scenario, the focus is on helping women after an attack.
However, the issue needs a more holistic approach: one that directs its efforts at changing mindsets, demanding more stringent laws, and rehabilitating survivors effectively.
It is this need that has led to the birth of various organizations to build a safer world for women.
Meer Foundation
Meer foundation was incorporated by Shah Rukh Khan in 2013 after his father’s name. At Meer Foundation, they recognise that women are not defined by the effects of acid attacks. They have :
Build Multi-Disciplinary Partnerships
Create Targeted Awareness Campaigns
Conduct Comprehensive Research
As part of efforts to provide holistic rehabilitation, Meer Foundation supports multiple institutions, including those that provide:
MEDICAL AID
LEGAL ADVICE
COUNSELING SERVICES
VOCATIONAL TRAINING
Contact Address
BackStage, Plot No. 612, 15th Road, Junction of Ramkrishna Mission Road, Santacruz West, Mumbai, 400054.
Contact Email
info@meerfoundation.org
Chhanv Foundation
Chhanv Foundation is a Non-Profit Organisation in India working for the rehabilitation of acid attack survivors. Chhanv Foundation raised the unheard voices of acid attack survivors through its campaign Stop Acid Attacks in 2013. They redefined the definition of rehabilitation by advocacy for the acid attacks followed by providing Medical Assistance, Legal Assistance, Education help then at last but not least by providing the Employment at Cafe Sheroes Hangout located in Agra & Lucknow respectively.
They started Sheroes Hangout in Agra in December 2014. Today, with two cafes, in Agra & Lucknow, the foundation has employed 30 survivors and added value in the life of hundreds of other girls by providing them counseling, medical help, career and education opportunities
Contact
Head Office
House No – 152 B Block Sector 46 Noida Landmark – HDFC Bank (235.02 mi)
Noida 201303
Mob: +91 9717900302, +91-9958066951
Make Love Not Scares
Make Love Not Scars is an NGO based in New Delhi.
This organisation was founded by Ria Sharma to work with acid-attack survivors.
They help with the complete rehabilitation of acid attack survivors, providing survivors with financial, legal and educational help.
The organisation had helped approximately 70 survivors across India by November 6th, 2016,
Make Love Not Scars launched India’s first rehabilitation centre in New Delhi in March 2016. A first of its kind centre, the centre provides acid attack survivors with medical treatment, financial aid, legal support, vocational training and psychological treatment.
The centre also helps survivors overcome their emotional struggles through recreational activities like Yoga and poetry classes. The centre is host to various classes including English and computer classes. Workshops consist of activities like confidence building, makeup tutorials and legal expertise.
They also provide accommodation for survivors who are seeking refuge from attackers.
The centre is partly funded by community donations and largely funded by corporate funders. Automotive giant Magneti Marelli donated approximately $31,000 for operational costs for the rehabilitation centre in the year 2016. Other corporate donors include Urban Clap and Urban Ladder.
Contacts
Email: info@makelovenotscars.org
Contact Number: 011 4109 9859
Address: 342, Old M B Road, Chatri
Wala Kuan, Lado Sarai, New
Delhi, Delhi 110030
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