Vitriolage in india: analysis by a burn surgeon.

Acid throwing (vitriolage) is a form of violent assault. It is described as an act of throwing acid or corrosives on the body of a person with the intention of injuring or disfiguring them. It is a crime like no other and represents the amalgamation of social evils like patriarchy, gender bias, disdain for the laws of the land, and individual deficiencies like jealousy, anger and sexism. Its incidence has increased over the years and it is soundly entrenched in our society. On the brighter side, surgical care has improved, laws have evolved and, most importantly, society is now aware and is playing an active role against this sacrilege. This study intends to analyze the various aspects of vitriolage in the Indian context, i.e. the extent of the problem, how it affects more than one life, and how the laws have evolved to protect the victims. Secondly, the challenges encountered, from the point of view of a health care worker, specifically a Burns/Reconstructive surgeon, are addressed. It is an attempt to bring on board issues that are medical, administrative or legal and are intricately connected with care and support of victims and survivors of vitriolage. The specific questions discussed in this study are related to the dilemmas faced by the medical community/healthcare institutions while dealing with patients of vitriolage and how the laws have evolved over a period of time.