Acid Attack Survivors: Disability in Indian RPWD Act 2016

Abstract

Acid attacks are mostly intended towards women 80 % of the victims are women. The major causes at the back of such an act include family disputes, refusal to proposals, not responding to romantic advances, land or monetary disputes, domestic violence, and suspicion of infidelity. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act was passed by both Houses of Parliament of India in December 2016 and is now in force. The inclusion of acid attack victims in the list of disabilities in the RPWD Act 2016 will pave the way for employment opportunities for such individuals, some of whom have taken state governments to court to press for advance compensation. The inclusion has justified since acid attack victims face various psychosocial challenges including social stigma, which hinders them from full and effective participation in society.