“Acid violence: a premeditated form of assault involving the throwing, pouring, or administering of acid, or other similarly corrosive substance, on an individual, with the intention to seriously maim, disfigure, torture, or kill.1 The effects of acid violence are catastrophic, irrevocably changing – if not destroying – the lives of its victims(…). The repercussion’s of acid attacks stretch further, however, creating a huge burden on society. Additionally, they also indicate a deep social malaise that requires urgent attention. Indeed, if an appropriate response to the scourge of acid violence in Cambodia (…) is not forthcoming, the problem will continue to escalate. As Dr. Kek Galabru, President of the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights …) remarks, “it is an especially cruel form of brutality which must be eradicated before it grows more and more common.” In Cambodia a culture of impunity surrounds acid violence. In the majority of cases of acid violence, offenders escape trial and conviction for these heinous crimes. This problem necessarily exacerbates the situation, insofar as it encourages potential offenders to believe that they can avoid criminal repercussions for their actions. If acid violence is on the rise (…) and perpetrators continue to escape prosecution, then it is entirely likely that it will increasingly be seen as an acceptable means of resolving disputes. “ (Extract from “Breaking the Silence – Addressing Acid Attacks in Cambodia”)

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