Journal of Aesthetic NursingVol. 6, No. 7 Guest EditorialFree AccessAcid attacks should be everyone's concernElizabeth JenkinsonElizabeth JenkinsonSearch for more papers by this authorElizabeth JenkinsonPublished Online:12 Sep 2017https://doi.org/10.12968/joan.2017.6.7.332AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail The number of acid attacks in England has more than doubled in recent years, reaching in excess of 400 reported incidents carried out in London in 2016–2017 (Mann, 2017). Possession of a corrosive substance is covered by the Poison Act 1972, and if there is evidence to suggest intent to do harm, those in possession can be prosecuted under the Prevention of Crime Act 1953. In response to recent incidents, the Home Office has begun to reconsider appropriate sentencing for those who commit these crimes, as well as changes to the law to include a greater range of noxious substances (Home Office et al, 2017).Changes to legislation have long been advocated by activists, such as Katie Piper, who lives with burns injuries following an attack involving corrosive substances. These modifications to the law may go some way to both limiting the availability of such substances and acting as a deterrent to those who seek to use them. However, the issues for health professionals remain: what is the size of the problem, who is affected and how might those who have been harmed be adequately supported?While incidents are reported to be on the rise, burns injuries as a result of corrosive substance attacks remain the minority of cases in burns care, representing an estimated <1% of the clinical caseload (Tan et al, 2015; Shokrollahi, 2017). However, this still equates to a substantial number of patients being affected. For example, one published study details 21 cases in one large regional burns centre alone in 2015 (Tan et al, 2015).Analysis of these cases suggests that men may be more likely to be targeted than women, with perpetrators also more likely to be male than female (Tan et al, 2015; The Katie Piper Foundation, 2015). There is also varying incidence across the UK, with the number of cases being higher in London, Essex and the West Midlands (Mann, 2017; Shokrollahi, 2017). However, health professionals should be cautious in interpreting existing data as reliable and representative, as many incidents are likely to go unreported.The Katie Piper Foundation gives information and support to people with scarring and burns injuries. Similarly, Dan's Fund for Burns provides help and support, spearheaded by Polly Brooks, a survivor of the 2002 Bali bombings. The charity Changing Faces also provides one-to-one, online and group support to those with any difference in appearance and has published advice in response to recent incidents (Partridge, 2017).Clinicians, researchers and health professionals should push for further research in this area in order to better understand the needs of this growing number of patients. Activists continue to support the move to tighten laws in order to reflect the severity of the crime, and it is hoped that this will act as a deterrent to reduce incidence. Support for those affected is a priority, particularly given the far-reaching physical and psychological consequences of traumatic burns injuries. References Home Office, Newton S, Rudd A. Home secretary announces action plan to tackle acid attacks. 2017. http://tinyurl.com/ybybhedc (accessed 22 August 2017) Google ScholarMann G. Acid attacks: What has led to the rise and how can they be stopped? 2017. http://tinyurl.com/yc4c7fsh (accessed 24 August 2017) Google ScholarPartridge J. Acid attack survivors need comprehensive help in an inclusive society. 2017. http://tinyurl.com/yalpd9cl (accessed 22 August 2017) Google ScholarShokrollahi K. Perspectives on acid attacks in the UK. Scars, Burns and Healing. 2017;3:3. https://doi.org/http://doi.org/10.1177/2059513117723769 Crossref, Google ScholarTan A, Bharj AK, Nizamoglu M, Barnes D, Dziewulski P. Assaults from corrosive substances and medico legal considerations in a large regional burn centre in the United Kingdom: calls for increased vigilance and enforced legislation. Scars, Burns and Healing. 2015;1–10. https://doi.org/http://doi.org/10.1177/2059513115612945 Google ScholarThe Katie Piper Foundation. Acid attacks new research reveals unexpected demographics and highlights the need for tighter regulation of corrosive substances. 2015. http://tinyurl.com/ybhdnd4u (accessed 22 August 2017) Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 2 September 2017Volume 6Issue 7ISSN (print): 2050-3717ISSN (online): 2052-2878 Metrics History Published online 12 September 2017 Published in print 2 September 2017 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download