Bangladesh acid attack survivors helping each other heal | Unreported World

Summary

This documentary follows the emotional journey of Schumi, an acid attack survivor in Bangladesh, as she battles the physical and psychological aftermath of her attack. Living in a clinic for months, Schumi faces immense challenges, including losing her eyesight and dealing with the stigma and isolation associated with her condition. The documentary highlights the strength of survivors and the supportive role of the Acid Survivors Foundation. With the help of compassionate staff and fellow survivors, Schumi begins to take tentative steps towards recovery, ultimately leaving the clinic for her first outing in eight months, symbolizing a small but significant victory in her healing process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Schumi, a young Bangladeshi woman, had been living in a hospital room for 8 months after an acid attack left her blind and severely scarred.
• 😀 The Acid Survivors Foundation in Bangladesh plays a crucial role in helping victims of acid attacks, with many of its staff members being survivors themselves.
• 😀 Acid attacks are tragically common in Bangladesh, with a high percentage of victims being women, and often, the perpetrators remain unconvicted.
• 😀 Schumi’s attack was carried out by her ex-boyfriend and four other men, and the act was motivated by jealousy, as described by Schumi herself.
• 😀 The foundation offers both medical and psychological support, focusing on rebuilding the lives of acid attack survivors through counseling, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.
• 😀 Schumi’s recovery journey is hindered by severe depression and a deep fear of facing the world due to her appearance, which she feels isolates her from society.
• 😀 Lila, an acid attack survivor and staff member at the foundation, plays an important role in guiding Schumi towards independence, sharing her own experiences of overcoming similar trauma.
• 😀 The psychological stigma surrounding acid attack victims in Bangladesh, especially the belief that the victims brought it upon themselves, makes it difficult for them to receive support from their families.
• 😀 Schumi is initially reluctant to step outside the clinic, but with encouragement from the staff, she takes a small but significant step by traveling to another floor of the clinic.
• 😀 After much emotional support, Schumi eventually agrees to leave the clinic for the first time in eight months, where she enjoys a simple but meaningful outing involving ice cream, symbolizing a major step in her recovery.

Q & A

What is the significance of the clinic in the story?

The clinic plays a central role in the recovery of acid attack survivors. It provides medical care, emotional support, and a sense of community for individuals who have suffered severe trauma. The clinic specializes in helping victims regain their independence and overcome the challenges they face after such traumatic events.

Why is Schumi's situation so complex?

Schumi's situation is complex due to both physical and emotional trauma. She suffered an acid attack that severely damaged her eyesight and left her with deep physical scars. Additionally, she is struggling with depression, anger, and a sense of abandonment, which complicates her recovery.

What is the emotional challenge Schumi faces when thinking about going outside?

Schumi is terrified of going outside because she fears being stared at or judged because of her physical appearance. Before the attack, she was concerned with looking attractive, but now, the idea of exposure in public is overwhelming due to her new reality.

How does Lila's story relate to Schumi's recovery?

Lila's story is significant because she, too, is an acid attack survivor and serves as a role model for Schumi. Lila understands the emotional and physical struggles of surviving such an attack and offers empathy, guidance, and encouragement to Schumi, helping her begin to accept her new identity.

What is the role of the staff at the clinic in Schumi's recovery?

The staff at the clinic, including survivors like Lila, play a vital role in Schumi's recovery by offering medical care and emotional support. They encourage her to regain independence and push through difficult moments, like facing the outside world. The staff sees the survivors as more than just patients—they view them as fellow survivors, which enhances the support system.

What psychological factors contribute to Schumi’s depression?

Schumi’s depression is driven by a combination of grief over her lost vision, the trauma of the attack, and a deep sense of abandonment by her family. She also struggles with the stigma that society often places on acid attack victims, making her feel isolated and rejected.

How does the clinic approach treatment for acid attack victims?

The clinic uses a holistic approach to treat acid attack victims, combining medical care, psychological counseling, and physical rehabilitation. The staff emphasizes the importance of rebuilding independence and helping survivors reimagine their futures beyond the attack.

What breakthrough moment does Schumi experience during her time at the clinic?

A key breakthrough for Schumi is when she steps outside the clinic for the first time in eight months. Despite initially being hesitant and fearful, she eventually agrees to go out for ice cream, marking an important moment in her recovery as she confronts her fear of the outside world.

Why do so few acid attack cases result in convictions?

Fewer than 10% of acid attack cases result in convictions due to societal stigma, lack of legal support, and often insufficient evidence. Many victims are reluctant to report the attacks due to fear of retaliation or social judgment, which makes it difficult to achieve justice.

What does Schumi hope for in terms of her eyesight?

Schumi hopes that her eyesight will improve over time, despite the damage caused by the acid attack. She holds onto the belief that with treatment, her vision might return, though the medical prognosis suggests otherwise.