Acid Attack Survivors in Kolkata Share Stories of Resilience and Hope
In Kolkata, Sunita Dutta was a teenager when a local youth hurled acid on her 16 years ago. The grueling six-year treatment, which included 25 surgeries, was immensely challenging to endure, but the psychological trauma of the attack proved equally painful. Today, Dutta has courageously buried the nightmare behind her, leading a happy life with her husband and their two-year-old child.
Stories of Courage and Rebuilding Lives
On Tuesday, powerful narratives of courage, resilience, and the determination to rebuild lives emerged from IPGMER & SSKM Hospital. Acid attack survivors gathered to share the horror they experienced and the hope that lies ahead. "My life came to a standstill. Even as my parents and family stood firmly with me, it was society and the system that initially refused to accept me. I had to even drop out of school," recounted Dutta.
Her facial deformity led her to shun the world until she met her husband on a social networking site. Now, she runs a small café in her locality, symbolizing her journey toward normalcy and independence. "The physical pain and mental trauma that an acid attack survivor has to go through are endless. But at one point, we need to pick up the pieces to stand again," said Shampa Mahato from Nabadwip, echoing the sentiments of many survivors.
Empowerment Through Dialogue and Support
The event, titled 'Healing, Dignity, and Empowerment: A Well-Being Dialogue with Acid Attack Survivors and Their Caregivers', was organized in commemoration of International Women's Day. It was held by the Department of Psychiatric Social Work at the Institute of Psychiatry (IOP) – Centre of Excellence, IPGME&R, Kolkata, in collaboration with the Chhanv Foundation. Various stakeholders participated to support the survivors in their healing journeys.
"Acid attack is a cruel form of violence where the intention is not only bodily harm but to attack dignity, erode confidence, and destroy identity. Institutes like IOP can play a crucial role in helping survivors rebuild their lives," emphasized Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner for East & North East India.
Addressing the Issue and Future Initiatives
While exact data on the number of acid attack victims in Bengal is unavailable, the Chhanv Foundation, which actively works with survivors, has traced around 57 cases. Anshu, a survivor and trustee of the foundation, revealed that a café run by these survivors is in the planning stages, aiming to provide economic empowerment and social integration.
"We as a society need to be sensitive so that we stand by them during the healing process," urged clinical psychology associate professor Bidita Bhattacharya, department head at IOP-COE. This call to action highlights the importance of community support in aiding recovery and fostering a more inclusive environment for survivors.
