AcidAttack – Study Highlights Stigma Facing Survivors in India

AcidAttack – A recent study has brought renewed attention to the social isolation and psychological strain experienced by acid attack survivors in India, underscoring how discrimination and stigma often deepen the wounds long after physical injuries begin to heal. Researchers say that negative public attitudes continue to shape the daily realities of survivors, limiting their access to education, employment, and healthcare.

Widespread Incidents, Many Unreported

Although official figures from the National Crime Records Bureau recorded 207 acid attacks in 2023, researchers caution that the true scale of the problem is significantly higher. Estimates suggest that more than 1,000 incidents occur each year, with many cases never reaching authorities due to fear of retaliation and the social shame attached to such violence.

The study notes that survivors frequently avoid reporting attacks because of community pressure and concerns about prolonged legal battles. This underreporting not only obscures the magnitude of the issue but also makes it harder to design effective public policy and support systems.

Stigma Extends Beyond Physical Injuries

The research, conducted by The George Institute for Global Health India in collaboration with the Chhanv Foundation, explored the everyday experiences of eight women survivors in Noida between November 2023 and April 2024. It is described as the first global study to use a participatory arts-based approach known as body mapping to understand the emotional and social impact of acid violence.

Through this method, participants created life-sized outlines of their bodies and added drawings and written reflections to convey pain, memory, resilience, and hope. Researchers observed that this approach enabled women to articulate feelings that might otherwise remain unspoken, especially where trauma and limited literacy pose communication challenges.

Lead researcher Pratishtha Singh said the findings reveal that social rejection can be as debilitating as the physical harm itself. Survivors often encounter exclusion from family networks, difficulties in continuing education, and repeated denial of job opportunities. Public spaces, too, can become sites of scrutiny and discomfort, contributing to anxiety and depression.

Barriers to Education and Employment

According to the study, appearance-based discrimination frequently disrupts schooling and career prospects. Many women reported being turned away during job interviews or feeling unwelcome in workplaces. Even in supportive environments, such as survivor-run initiatives, instances of public hesitation or avoidance remain common.

Anshu Rajput, one of the participants, shared her experience of being rejected for employment due to her facial injuries. She said that while working at a café operated by survivors offers a sense of belonging, some customers still react visibly to their presence.

The Chhanv Foundation, which partnered in the research, provides medical assistance, legal guidance, vocational training, safe housing, and employment opportunities. It also runs Sheroes Hangout Café and leads the Stop Acid Attacks campaign across cities including Delhi, Noida, Agra, and Lucknow. The café model is designed not only to generate income but also to foster dignity and public engagement.

Call for Long-Term Rehabilitation Measures

Alok Dixit, founder of the Chhanv Foundation, said the findings should encourage policymakers to focus on sustained rehabilitation rather than short-term emergency care. He emphasized the need for structured pathways to education and stable employment so that survivors can rebuild their lives with independence.

The study outlines several recommendations aimed at improving social integration and recovery. These include enhanced long-term psychosocial support, timely distribution of compensation, expanded access to reconstructive healthcare, and stricter enforcement of acid sale regulations. It also calls for integrated support centres that combine medical treatment, legal aid, counselling, and vocational services under one roof.

Researchers further noted that some survivors experience neglect or abuse within their own families, compounding their trauma. Peer support networks and counselling were identified as essential tools in helping women regain confidence and move toward self-acceptance.

By documenting lived experiences rather than relying solely on statistics, the study highlights the need for coordinated action involving government agencies, civil society organisations, and local communities. While emergency medical response remains critical, the research suggests that addressing stigma and ensuring long-term social inclusion are equally important to restoring dignity and opportunity for survivors.