4
The strength shown by those who have
been injured is exactly why the term
Survivor is more appropriate. Previously
the term Acid Attack Victim was widely
used. The trend of why these attacks are
happening continues to be the ease of
access to corroding chemicals. To reflect
this several products have recently had
their sale restricted within the UK.
Since the 1700’s and our Industrial
Revolution sulphuric acid was available for
general sale, it was referred to as Vitriol.
When vitriol was used within these
horrendous targeted attacks it was then
commonly known as the 'oil of
vitriol' (Londonist, 2017).
Evening Telegraph, September 25th, 1906
My interest through the last year of
researching Corrosive Agent Attacks has
taken me in several directions. Safdar
(2017) states that there have been attacks
of this kind within the UK for over 200
years. Looking this far back showed that
the chemicals used were often sourced
from the metal and cotton industries. The
first corrosive agent attack sentencing was
recorded in 1833 it appears (Safdar, 2017).
Today, there is a minimum six-month
sentence for the possession of acid for no
good reason.
Internationally corrosive agents have been
used to injure people due to gender-based
violence. Relationships have been
destroyed by the Suspect thinking: “If I
cannot have you then no one will”. Not
only is sight lost in many of these cases,
but nostrils can also be severely damaged
which causes breathing difficulties and the
feeling of suffocation during sleep. The
physical battle that survivors deal with
each day also causes their time outside to
be very stressful because of the stares
from passers-by.
I have spoken with colleagues and
reflected on the investigations that I have
assisted with and this has also shown
there to be a common link between the
suspects vocation and the chemical
source. Industries such as: glass
manufacturing, vehicle maintenance and
building sites. These are where such
chemicals as hydrofluoric acid, sulphuric
acid and muriatic acid can be utilised. This
is only a few examples. Within our homes
we also all have many corrosive chemicals
for descaling and degreasing.
There are opportunities for investigators
to see that this crime type may be being
planned. Some chemicals used are
banned substances, so it is important to
have knowledge of what precursors can
be combined to produce corrosive agents.
It is beneficial for illicit laboratory, noxious
substances and corrosive agent
knowledge holders within organisations to
keep in good contact with one another to
ensure efficient well-rounded
discussions.