 
I’m doing the Radio 4 Appeal this weekend for the Acid Survivors’ Trust. It’s the only organisation dedicated to ending acid violence and is focussed on helping women and girls who’ve been attacked. The chances are you already know about acid violence. You may not have known (I didn’t) that it’s a growing problem. Not just in Asia and Africa, but also in Colombia in South America. Macho and patriarchal attitudes to women but also easy access to acid, from local industry play a part. We’ve even seen some attacks in the UK.
As a journalist I know how many times I’ve read or seen reports on the issue. We can all feel outraged. Some reporters win awards for their coverage of it. But I wonder if the sheer cruelty of it, the ingrained misogyny in many of these cultures makes us look away and avoid thinking too hard about how to help individual lives. The Trust offers real support through local partners in several countries every step of the way: From bandages and reconstructive surgery to counselling, rehousing and vocational training to enable women to try to regain control over and dignity in their own lives. In Bangladesh, Cambodia and Pakistan the organisation’s local political campaigning and lobbying has led to industrial changes around the ease of access to battery acid.
You can listen to the appeal on Radio 4 on Sunday at 755am or 925pm or on i player after here.
And find out more about the charity’s work and how to donate here:
10 Responses to Why you need to look at Acid Survivors