Unveiling Legal Hurdles: The Roadblocks to Justice for Acid Attack Survivors

Abstract

Acid attack violence is a form of violence that asymmetrically target female population. in spite of legislation reforms like acid control and acid crime prevention act of 2011 and the acid and burn crime act of 2018, this deliberate act of violence has crossed the socio legal restrains. The study aimed at probing through the systematic impediments which hinder acid attack survivors’ access to justice in Pakistan. The study also evaluates the strength of current acid legislation in reaching their needs. Furthermore, the study also targeted the socio legal barriers faced by acid victims along with the recommendations of practical action plan for policy reforms. A qualitative style of research along with a phenomenological approach targeted 25 acid attack survivors from Punjab, Pakistan. Semi structured interviews were conducted with the participants selected via purposive sampling to collect data. prominent obstacles were identified through thematic analysis. Lack of awareness among victims, systematic corruption, incompetent police role, powerful perpetrator’s, including upscaled legal procedures. The findings identified extended shortcomings in Pakistan’s judicial system and loopholes like inefficiency and corrupt institutional support. Through interviews it has been found that many survivors were negligent of their legal rights. Moreover, intricate legal procedures further delayed their access to justice. Preparator’s overpowering effect further exploited the evidence. Patriarchal canopy over arched the socio-economic inequalities and gender bases violence. To address this concern the study proposed to simplify the proceedings of legal procedures, educating about acid related laws, taking anti-corruption measures to reinforce lawfulness while establishing strict acid laws. Moreover, sustaining special courts, ensuring free legal assistance, and advocating gender equality were significant measures proposed to maintain justice. Alliance with international organization may further advocate survivors’ access to justice and accurate policy reforms on grass root level. The study compels on the fact that elimination of systematic in competences and reforming social norms may eliminate acid violence in Pakistan.