Acid attack scars victims’ emotions too

Though Aryanka Hosbetkar was discharged from PD Hinduja Hospital on Thursday morning, she is still distressed.

The chemical has not only disfigured her face, it has also scarred her emotionally.

“Acid attack is pathological form of revenge and very powerful. The attackers, mostly men, usually have low self-esteem and anti-social personality disorder. They cannot stand it if a woman says no to them,” said Dr Parul Tank, head of the psychiatric department, Rajawadi Hospital.

Doctors opined that while the victim’s wounds heal after a few years, the mental trauma scars them for life.

“Family and friends play crucial role in helping the victim emotionally. The first question the victim asks is ‘Why me?’  The disfigured body and unbearable pain shatters her morale, here’s where the family and friends come in,” said Dr Harish Shetty, senior psychiatrist, LH Hiranandani Hospital.

Hosbetkar seemed to be in an abusive relationship as her boyfriend Jerrit G John reportedly assaulted her on several occasions, but she always forgave him.  Dr Tank said: “Abusive relationship is a hate-and-love relationship. Women think their partner love them a lot and she must have done something for which he is punishing her. They, therefore, keep quite. Such women mostly have grown up in abusive atmosphere.”