Acid violence against women in Uganda

May 21, 2009 the life of Gloria Kankunda (38) was turned upside down: It's just after midnight this warm night in Kampala, capital of Uganda. Inside the hospital is Gloria Kankunda. She still has not let out the scream that is growing inside her. The shock and the adrenaline-rush have so far eased the pain. Around her, health personnel come rushing with buckets filled with water. Gloria manages to think of her one-year-old son at home, and of the unborn child she carries, before the water hits her body and everything explodes in an inferno of pain. Everything is burning. Then she faints. This fateful evening, Gloria was subjected to an acid attack from an unknown «hitman» outside her home. Acid is a very effective and affordable way to inflict great harm and suffering on people. It is easily accessible and costs no more than around 1 USD. Not everyone survives, as Gloria did. After the first emergency treatment, she was flown to South-Africa for further treatment. She stayed there for almost two years, before returning back to Kampala. 90 percent of the victims are women, and the attacks usually happen because a woman has either rejected a man, or wants out of the relationship. Those who survive attacks often have major injuries, both physically and mentally. – The attack and the injuries affect self-esteem and social life to a great extent. A patient has as great a need for treatment and follow-up from psychiatric professionals as the purely physical and medical treatment. Gloria Kankunda herself fought hard not to fall into a deep depression, and to be able to return to society. – Accepting the injuries and my «new» appearance has been a long process, but today I am calm. Filled with peace. It's best for my own part not to be angry or bitter. The scars have become a part of me, says Gloria, who today helps others who are exposed to attacks. "I'M NOT A VICTIM. I'M A SURVIVOR"