Non-fatal injuries caused by corrosive chemical agents in Colombia between 2018 and 2021: Characterization of victims, perpetrators, and contextual factors

Abstract

Introduction

Attacks involving corrosive chemical agents represent an extreme form of violence, frequently linked to gender-based violence, resulting in irreversible physical injuries, psychosocial harm, and functional loss. In Colombia, the phenomenon has been underestimated due to imprecise classifications. This study aims to characterize the victims, alleged perpetrators, and contextual factors related to non-fatal injuries caused by corrosive chemical agents between 2018 and 2021.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective observational study. A total of 800 cases recorded by the Colombian National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences (INML) were reviewed. After applying inclusion criteria based on the Natalia Ponce de León Law, 105 cases were classified as corrosive chemical injuries. Descriptive statistics were applied, followed by logistic regression to identify associated risk factors.

Results

In total, 72.4% of the victims were women, and 71.8% of perpetrators were men. 77% of the attacks occurred in the context of interpersonal violence, and 48.6% of the victims had a low level of education. Both female sex (OR = 2.73; p < 0.001) and single marital status (OR = 1.78; p = 0.041) showed independent and significant associations with the likelihood of experiencing such an attack. Most cases occurred in urban settings and public spaces.

Conclusions

Corrosive chemical injuries in Colombia reflect a gender-based violence pattern, with close male aggressors and structurally vulnerable victims. There is an urgent need to improve forensic data accuracy, enhance comprehensive victim care, and implement public policies aimed at prevention, legal protection, and access to justice, especially in rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.

Resumen

Introducción

Los ataques con agentes químicos corrosivos representan una forma extrema de violencia, frecuentemente asociada con la violencia basada en género, que causa lesiones físicas irreversibles, afectación psicosocial y pérdida funcional. En Colombia, este fenómeno ha sido subestimado por clasificaciones imprecisas. El objetivo de este estudio es caracterizar a las víctimas, presuntos agresores y factores contextuales relacionados con lesiones no fatales por agentes químicos corrosivos entre 2018 y 2021.

Materiales y métodos

Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Se revisaron 800 casos registrados por el Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses (INML). Tras aplicar criterios de inclusión basados en la Ley Natalia Ponce de León, se identificaron 105 casos. Se realizaron estadísticas descriptivas y una regresión logística para identificar factores de riesgo.

Resultados

El 72,4% de las víctimas eran mujeres y el 71,8% de los agresores, hombres. El 77% de los ataques ocurrieron en contextos de violencia interpersonal. El 48,6% de las víctimas tenía bajo nivel educativo. Ser mujer (OR = 2,73; p < 0,001) y estar soltera (OR = 1,78; p = 0,041) aumentaron cada una la probabilidad de sufrir un ataque. La mayoría de los casos ocurrieron en zonas urbanas y espacios públicos.

Conclusiones

Las lesiones por agentes químicos corrosivos en Colombia reflejan un patrón de violencia basada en género, con agresores cercanos y víctimas vulnerables. Se requiere mejorar el registro forense, fortalecer la atención integral e implementar políticas públicas de prevención, protección legal y acceso a la justicia en zonas rurales y poblaciones en desventaja.