Jabed Hussain, an acid attack survivor, fights for better safety laws for delivery drivers after a life-changing incident in East London
He was lucky to have his helmet on, but the acid still burned through his skin. Jabed jumped off his bike, terrified and in pain, trying to find help. Sadly, many people just ignored him, but eventually, a minicab driver stepped in and gave him water. It felt like ages before the ambulance arrived.
After the attack, Jabed was taken to the Royal London Hospital. The physical injuries were tough, but the mental scars were even harder to deal with. He found it hard to work again, feeling anxious every time he got on his bike. The fear didn’t just affect him; it impacted his family too. They were all on edge, worried about his safety.
Jabed realized that his attack was part of a bigger issue. That night, there were several other acid attacks in East London. It was a wake-up call about how easily accessible these dangerous substances were. Before 2017, anyone could buy acid without any checks, which made it easy for attackers to get their hands on it.
Determined to make a change, Jabed started speaking out. He visited schools, held public meetings, and worked with community groups to raise awareness. His efforts helped push for new laws to protect delivery drivers and restrict the sale of corrosive substances.
In 2017, the UK government announced new regulations, including age restrictions on buying acid. Jabed’s attacker was caught and faced serious charges. While Jabed’s physical wounds healed, the emotional impact lingered. He still feels anxious and struggles with breathing issues.
Even with the new laws, Jabed remains vigilant. The fear from that night still haunts him, and he’s always aware of his surroundings. It’s a tough journey, but he’s committed to making sure no one else has to go through what he did. Years may have passed, but the memory of that night is still fresh in his mind.