Acid Attack Survivor Recounts Ordeal After Rejecting Man’s Advances At 16

A Kenyan woman identified as Benita has spoken about the traumatic acid attack she survived as a 16-year-old after rejecting a man who wanted her to become his girlfriend.

Speaking to the BBC, Benita recalled how the man allegedly lured her away from a main road under the pretext of showing her a shortcut before confronting her about her decision to reject his advances.

According to Benita, the man had repeatedly pressured her to accept his request for a relationship, but she refused because she was not ready to date him.

She said that on the day of the attack, the man told her he had a surprise for her and persuaded her to leave the main road with him.

Benita said they eventually reached an isolated area where the man stopped and questioned her about the answer she would give him.

She recalled realising that the situation was dangerous shortly before he threw a corrosive substance at her.

“I got attacked when I was 16 years old. The guy started forcing me to accept him to officially be his girlfriend and then I said no, I am not set for that,” she said.

Benita explained that the substance initially struck the back of her head before reaching her face and eye when she turned around.

She described the moment as terrifying, saying she was overwhelmed by the pain and could not think clearly after the substance came into contact with her.

The attack left Benita with severe injuries, including significant damage to her face and eye, and changed her life permanently.

Her account highlights the devastating consequences of violence against women and girls, particularly when rejection is met with threats or retaliation.

Benita’s story has also renewed attention to the dangers faced by young women who are subjected to persistent unwanted advances and the importance of speaking out against violence and coercive behaviour in relationships.

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