Exploring the underlying psychosocial mechanisms in the psychological rehabilitation of acid attack victims

Sexual violence against women is not a new phenomenon. Historical documents, art and literature, stand witness to the fact that women have been coerced into sexual encounters `throughout history across the globe (Brownmiller, 1975; Zeitlin, 1986). While minor forms of sexual victimization such as sexist statements and sexually mottled whistles appear to be common, more severe forms of sexual violence against women such as rape, acid attack and domestic violence are widespread evils not only in India but also in other countries. Various forms of sexual violence are so deeply rooted in our cultures that many women who experience sexual violence often hold themselves responsible for their victimization. Moreover, many times the offenders also feel that their actions are justified by messages that convey sexual violence is acceptable. The data presented by the National Crime Records Bureau of India also show that the frequency of reported cases of sexual violence has increased multi-fold (NCRB, 2018). However, there is no way to ascertain if this increase is due to the increase in actual cases of sexual violence, or it is only due to the increase in reports of such cases. This steep rise in the number of incidents involving sexual victimization of women warrants for more and more research to gain a better understanding of this victimization of women issue, its causes and impact