GITNUXREPORT 2025

Acid Attack Statistics

Acid attacks mainly affect women in South Asia, causing devastating consequences.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The average age of acid attack victims is between 20 and 30 years old

Statistic 2

In India, approximately 70% of acid attack victims are women

Statistic 3

The cost of medical treatment and reconstructive surgery for acid attack victims can exceed $10,000, often unaffordable for many

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Acid attacks significantly decrease victims' employment opportunities and economic independence, with many unable to resume previous jobs

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The World Health Organization estimates that over 80% of victims survive acid attacks, but often face disfigurement and chronic health issues

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The average recovery time for acid attack victims can range from 6 months to several years, depending on severity

Statistic 7

The chemical composition of acids commonly used in attacks includes sulfuric, hydrochloric, and nitric acids, which cause extensive tissue damage

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Many survivors report experiencing social ostracism, loss of marriage prospects, and economic hardship after an acid attack

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The United Nations has called for global action to improve laws and support systems for acid attack survivors, emphasizing prevention and rehabilitation

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Incidents of acid violence are often underreported due to societal stigma and victims' fear of social retribution, making comprehensive statistical analysis challenging

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Psychological counseling and social reintegration programs are critical to aid survivors' recovery and reduce social stigma, but are often underfunded or unavailable

Statistic 12

Acid attacks can cause blindness, facial disfigurement, and even loss of limbs, significantly impairing victims' quality of life

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In Pakistan, acid attacks are often perpetrated by spouses or family members, frequently in domestic violence contexts, according to law enforcement reports

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Acid attack survivors in India have founded self-help groups to advocate for survivor rights and legal reforms, improving community support systems

Statistic 15

Advances in reconstructive surgery have improved outcomes for many acid attack victims, although accessibility remains limited in low-income regions

Statistic 16

International NGOs have established rehabilitation centers in several countries to provide physical and psychological support for acid attack victims

Statistic 17

governmental response to acid violence has improved in recent years, but gaps remain in enforcement of laws and victim support, according to Amnesty International reports

Statistic 18

Data collection on acid attacks is hindered by inconsistent record-keeping and societal stigma, leading to incomplete understanding of the epidemic

Statistic 19

Many victims report that acid attacks have led to permanent facial disfigurement, with some unable to recognize themselves after the attack

Statistic 20

In Bangladesh, acid attacks decreased by over 60% after a law banning acid sales was enacted in 2002

Statistic 21

The legal framework in the UK includes a specific offense of throwing acid, punishable by up to 5 years in prison

Statistic 22

In India, the 2013 Criminal Law (Amendment) Act increased penalties for acid attacks and mandated free treatment for victims

Statistic 23

Pakistan saw a rise in acid attacks in the early 2000s but has implemented stricter laws since 2010

Statistic 24

In Bangladesh, stricter regulations on acid sales reportedly led to a 75% decline in acid attacks between 2002 and 2015

Statistic 25

In India, the Supreme Court mandated free medical treatment and rehabilitation for acid attack survivors in 2013, reinforcing survivor rights

Statistic 26

Acid sale laws vary considerably across jurisdictions, with some countries requiring licenses or bans, and others having minimal regulation, affecting attack rates

Statistic 27

Some countries have introduced harsher penalties for acid attackers, including life imprisonment, to deter future attacks

Statistic 28

Legal reforms in some countries now allow victims to claim compensation and take legal action against perpetrators, but implementation remains inconsistent

Statistic 29

Research shows that stricter regulation of acid sales correlates with a decline in the number of attacks, highlighting the importance of legislative measures

Statistic 30

Over 1,500 acid attacks are reported in India annually

Statistic 31

Acid attacks are most common in South Asia, particularly India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan

Statistic 32

Women constitute approximately 80-90% of acid attack victims globally

Statistic 33

The global prevalence of acid attacks is underreported, with many cases going unrecorded or undocumented

Statistic 34

Studies show that acid attacks are often used as a means of revenge, or in cases of domestic disputes, rather than random violence

Statistic 35

In India, women are targeted for acid attacks primarily due to rejection in love or disputes over marriage

Statistic 36

In 2019, approximately 72% of acid attack offenders in India were motivated by personal disputes and revenge, according to police reports

Statistic 37

Acid attacks have increased in recent years in parts of the Middle East, including Yemen, due to ongoing conflicts and lawlessness

Statistic 38

Official statistics often underestimate the true number of acid attacks, as many victims do not report incidents or lack access to legal channels

Statistic 39

Certain social and cultural factors, including notions of honor and revenge, contribute to the occurrence of acid attacks in specific societies, according to cultural studies

Statistic 40

Acid attacks often occur in rural areas where law enforcement and medical facilities are less accessible, complicating survivor aid efforts

Statistic 41

Prevention campaigns in various countries focus on raising awareness about the dangers of acid sale and promoting gender equality to reduce attacks

Statistic 42

The use of public awareness campaigns has increased, targeting schools and communities to prevent acid violence and support victims

Statistic 43

Community-based programs aimed at addressing gender issues and reducing violence are effective in decreasing incidents of acid violence, according to social research

Statistic 44

Acid attacks can lead to severe psychological trauma, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder

Statistic 45

Victims of acid attacks often face long-term social stigma and discrimination, impacting their mental health and community relations

Statistic 46

The psychological impact of acid attacks often requires long-term therapy, emphasizing the importance of integrated mental health services for survivors

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Key Highlights

Over 1,500 acid attacks are reported in India annually
Acid attacks are most common in South Asia, particularly India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan
Women constitute approximately 80-90% of acid attack victims globally
In Bangladesh, acid attacks decreased by over 60% after a law banning acid sales was enacted in 2002
The average age of acid attack victims is between 20 and 30 years old
In India, approximately 70% of acid attack victims are women
The legal framework in the UK includes a specific offense of throwing acid, punishable by up to 5 years in prison
The global prevalence of acid attacks is underreported, with many cases going unrecorded or undocumented
Acid attacks can lead to severe psychological trauma, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder
Victims of acid attacks often face long-term social stigma and discrimination, impacting their mental health and community relations
In India, the 2013 Criminal Law (Amendment) Act increased penalties for acid attacks and mandated free treatment for victims
Pakistan saw a rise in acid attacks in the early 2000s but has implemented stricter laws since 2010
Studies show that acid attacks are often used as a means of revenge, or in cases of domestic disputes, rather than random violence

Every year, over 1,500 people in India alone fall victim to acid attacks—brutal assaults that leave survivors with devastating disfigurement, long-term trauma, and a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action against this heinous form of violence.

Impact on Victims and Rehabilitation

The average age of acid attack victims is between 20 and 30 years old
In India, approximately 70% of acid attack victims are women
The cost of medical treatment and reconstructive surgery for acid attack victims can exceed $10,000, often unaffordable for many
Acid attacks significantly decrease victims' employment opportunities and economic independence, with many unable to resume previous jobs
The World Health Organization estimates that over 80% of victims survive acid attacks, but often face disfigurement and chronic health issues
The average recovery time for acid attack victims can range from 6 months to several years, depending on severity
The chemical composition of acids commonly used in attacks includes sulfuric, hydrochloric, and nitric acids, which cause extensive tissue damage
Many survivors report experiencing social ostracism, loss of marriage prospects, and economic hardship after an acid attack
The United Nations has called for global action to improve laws and support systems for acid attack survivors, emphasizing prevention and rehabilitation
Incidents of acid violence are often underreported due to societal stigma and victims' fear of social retribution, making comprehensive statistical analysis challenging
Psychological counseling and social reintegration programs are critical to aid survivors' recovery and reduce social stigma, but are often underfunded or unavailable
Acid attacks can cause blindness, facial disfigurement, and even loss of limbs, significantly impairing victims' quality of life
In Pakistan, acid attacks are often perpetrated by spouses or family members, frequently in domestic violence contexts, according to law enforcement reports
Acid attack survivors in India have founded self-help groups to advocate for survivor rights and legal reforms, improving community support systems
Advances in reconstructive surgery have improved outcomes for many acid attack victims, although accessibility remains limited in low-income regions
International NGOs have established rehabilitation centers in several countries to provide physical and psychological support for acid attack victims
governmental response to acid violence has improved in recent years, but gaps remain in enforcement of laws and victim support, according to Amnesty International reports
Data collection on acid attacks is hindered by inconsistent record-keeping and societal stigma, leading to incomplete understanding of the epidemic
Many victims report that acid attacks have led to permanent facial disfigurement, with some unable to recognize themselves after the attack

Impact on Victims and Rehabilitation Interpretation

Despite survivors demonstrating remarkable resilience through rehabilitation efforts and advocacy, the persistent societal stigma, prohibitive costs, and underreported prevalence of acid attacks underscore an urgent need for comprehensive legal, medical, and psychosocial reforms to transform tragedy into catalyst for lasting change.

Legal and Regulatory Frameworks

In Bangladesh, acid attacks decreased by over 60% after a law banning acid sales was enacted in 2002
The legal framework in the UK includes a specific offense of throwing acid, punishable by up to 5 years in prison
In India, the 2013 Criminal Law (Amendment) Act increased penalties for acid attacks and mandated free treatment for victims
Pakistan saw a rise in acid attacks in the early 2000s but has implemented stricter laws since 2010
In Bangladesh, stricter regulations on acid sales reportedly led to a 75% decline in acid attacks between 2002 and 2015
In India, the Supreme Court mandated free medical treatment and rehabilitation for acid attack survivors in 2013, reinforcing survivor rights
Acid sale laws vary considerably across jurisdictions, with some countries requiring licenses or bans, and others having minimal regulation, affecting attack rates
Some countries have introduced harsher penalties for acid attackers, including life imprisonment, to deter future attacks
Legal reforms in some countries now allow victims to claim compensation and take legal action against perpetrators, but implementation remains inconsistent
Research shows that stricter regulation of acid sales correlates with a decline in the number of attacks, highlighting the importance of legislative measures

Legal and Regulatory Frameworks Interpretation

While stricter laws on acid sales and enhanced victim protections have significantly curtailed attacks in countries like Bangladesh and India, the varied global legal landscape underscores that comprehensive regulation and enforcement are paramount in acid attack prevention.

Prevalence and Regional Trends

Over 1,500 acid attacks are reported in India annually
Acid attacks are most common in South Asia, particularly India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan
Women constitute approximately 80-90% of acid attack victims globally
The global prevalence of acid attacks is underreported, with many cases going unrecorded or undocumented
Studies show that acid attacks are often used as a means of revenge, or in cases of domestic disputes, rather than random violence
In India, women are targeted for acid attacks primarily due to rejection in love or disputes over marriage
In 2019, approximately 72% of acid attack offenders in India were motivated by personal disputes and revenge, according to police reports
Acid attacks have increased in recent years in parts of the Middle East, including Yemen, due to ongoing conflicts and lawlessness
Official statistics often underestimate the true number of acid attacks, as many victims do not report incidents or lack access to legal channels
Certain social and cultural factors, including notions of honor and revenge, contribute to the occurrence of acid attacks in specific societies, according to cultural studies
Acid attacks often occur in rural areas where law enforcement and medical facilities are less accessible, complicating survivor aid efforts

Prevalence and Regional Trends Interpretation

Despite over 1,500 reported acid attacks annually in India—primarily targeting women in personal disputes—the true scale remains obscured by underreporting and societal factors rooted in honor and revenge, highlighting a pressing need for comprehensive legal, social, and medical intervention.

Prevention, Awareness, and Policy Initiatives

Prevention campaigns in various countries focus on raising awareness about the dangers of acid sale and promoting gender equality to reduce attacks
The use of public awareness campaigns has increased, targeting schools and communities to prevent acid violence and support victims
Community-based programs aimed at addressing gender issues and reducing violence are effective in decreasing incidents of acid violence, according to social research

Prevention, Awareness, and Policy Initiatives Interpretation

Despite rising public awareness campaigns and community-driven initiatives targeting gender equality and acid sale restrictions, acid attacks persist as a grim reminder that true prevention requires not only education but a fundamental shift in societal norms.

Psychological and Social Consequences

Acid attacks can lead to severe psychological trauma, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder
Victims of acid attacks often face long-term social stigma and discrimination, impacting their mental health and community relations
The psychological impact of acid attacks often requires long-term therapy, emphasizing the importance of integrated mental health services for survivors

Psychological and Social Consequences Interpretation

Acid attack victims not only endure devastating physical scars but also battle the invisible wounds of social stigma and psychological trauma, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support alongside physical rehabilitation.