Number of Acid Attacks Increases in Colombia

World Today

A brutal acid attack last month on a woman in Bogotá is shedding light on a dark reality for this South American nation. Colombia has seen a steep rise in acid attacks in recent years-prompting calls for government action.

Hundreds of citizens in Bogota gathered to show solidarity and strength for Natalia Ponce de Leon, the Colombian victim of an acid attack that has brought international attention to a troubling issue..

Government figures show there have been nearly one thousand acid attacks in Colombia over the past 10 years.

Number of Acid Attacks Increases in Colombia

A brutal acid attack last month on a woman in Bogotá is shedding light on a dark reality for this South American nation. Colombia has seen a steep rise in acid attacks in recent years-prompting calls for government action.

The latest attack has drawn attention to lax laws in Colombia. If the scarring of an acid attack victim is permanent, the current maximum sentence is up to 10 years in prison. But if the damage is not permanent, the sentence can be as little as 18 months.

As Colombia struggles to respond to the rise in these acid attacks, the latest victims are beginning the long road towards healing.