Acid Violence in Cambodia

Acid throwing is a form of violent assault that leaves survivors with physical disabilities, emotional and social stigmatic. Prevalent motivations behind attacks include hate and jealousy, family dispute, however identifying motivation and gathering information on incidents remain challenging as many cases remain unreported and many victims are afraid to talk about attacks.  In Cambodia, where acid can be inexpensive and available easily, too often acid is used as a weapon to settle disputes.

Cambodian Acid Survivors Charity (CASC) is the only organization to provide survivors free shelter, medical and psychological care and legal supports in Cambodia. According to CASC, 257 accidents and 306 victims are recorded since 1985. Among them approximately 52 % are female and 48% are male.  Twenty six incidents and 40 survivors were documented in 2010, 17 incidents and 25 survivors in 2011. In 2012, 8 incidents and 9 survivors are recorded by the month of August.  However, CASC claims many more cases remain unreported. 

In February 2010, the Royal Government of Cambodia formally acknowledged acid violence as a national issue. On Nov. 4 2011, Cambodian National Assembly passed a long-waited acid violence legislation that penalizes perpetrators and regulates the sale of acid.

These are portraits of acid violence survivors  photographed at CASC in Jan. 2010.

to help survivors and support CASC, please click here.