SOUTHALL Black Sisters is breaking with tradition and helping two women abroad who were victims of a horrific acid attack.
The long-running charity, which helps women from ethnic backgrounds who suffer from domestic violence, normally operates solely within the UK.
But so horrendous was the attack, which has left Delhi-based sisters Samar and Juriwaya Atique horribly disfigured for life, that the not-for-profit charity is assisting with their medical costs and rehabilitation.
The two women had a jug of acid thrown over them in October last year by two men, after Juriwaya turned down a marriage proposal from one of the men.
A spokesman for SBS said: "They sustained severe burns and injuries to their faces, their eyes and their upper bodies. In acid attack cases, the victims should be hosed down gently with a continuous stream of water immediately to stop the acid continuing to burn into their flesh.
"But they did not get treatment for five hours after the incident because the woman doctor was threatened with a similar attack by these men and their families.
"They may be blind for life. They will need to have reconstructive surgery on their noses and lips. Their eyelids were burnt away so they also suffer from itching and dryness in the eyes."
Both women were young professionals. Samar (31) worked for an IT company while Juriwaya (25), ironically, ran her own beauty parlour.
Their relatively low incomes, however, mean that they are struggling to meet the costs of medical attention and counselling.
If you would like to help, or if you wish to find out more, you can call Southall Black Sisters' general enquiry line on 020 8571 9595. The charity also operates a helpline on 020 8571 0800.
Alternatively, you can visit their website www.southallblacksisters.org.uk .
