Jenifer is the victim of domestic violence, where her partner attacked her and their daughter with battery acid. Jenifer shielded her daughter, absorbing the majority of the acid.
Did you know that in Uganda 3 out of 4 people are aware acid and burn violence and 1 in 5 know of an acid burn and violence victim? Acid attacks is a crime that is pervasive in Uganda, and is currently on the rise. This crime is not well recorded due to the attached stigma.
Acid can be stored in a plastic bottle and sold at prices as cheap as cooking oil. Acid is meant to be for industrial use only, however, it is currently being sold like any other commodity. As such, acid is viewed as a cheap weapon by perpetrators, and unlike a weapon such as a gun, you cannot trace acid to the buyer.
Currently acid is not being regulated in Uganda, as acid sellers do not have permits and acid buyers are not asked for any documents. There is a need for specific acid laws as the guidelines are unclear and not implemented. Other countries that have similar issues related to acid attacks include Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, all of which have developed specific laws following strategic litigation for toxic chemicals such as acid.
Jenifer, 30
Supporting victims of acid attacks
For many survivors, their disability often prevents them from returning to their original work, and discrimination makes it difficult to find new jobs or start businesses. Many survivors are left dependent on their families, leading to family conflicts. Despite this, many survivors can and do successfully rebuild their lives if they receive the proper support.
