Acid attacks have been slowly gaining ground in the United Kingdom, with 1,800 such violent incidents being reported in London alone since 2010. This is a dramatic 70% increase from just 2015 to 2016. To make matters worse, research has revealed that the UK has the worst record of acid-related attacks in the developed world when compared to other countries. Shockingly, only 25% of these cases are met with charges laid by police authorities.
The situation is becoming increasingly dire as the effects of corrosive substances become more apparent: victims bear devastating amounts of physical and psychological trauma that will haunt them for years to come. But why has this form of violence become so commonplace? VICE reporter Zing Tsjeng has taken it upon herself to investigate this rise in acid attacks and what she discovered was concerning. It turns out that acid is now seen as an easy weapon of choice amongst criminals due to its availability and lack of serious jail time penalties, making it a potentially attractive option for gangs or even individual thieves who are looking for quick damage without facing a lengthy prison sentence if caught.
As this documentary seeks to shed light on such heinous acts in our society, it’s important we all take part in preventing further atrocities from occurring. To gain a deeper understanding into this dark underground realm and how we can make a difference, watch “Acid Attack: The New Weapon of Choice” now! With the knowledge we acquire through viewing this film, hopefully we can bring an end to these abhorrent acts and bring peace back to our streets once more.