Acid attack survivors are some of the most resilient individuals who, despite facing horrific and life–altering physical trauma, have not only rebuilt their own lives but have also made significant contributions to society. Their journeys of survival, recovery, and empowerment have inspired millions worldwide, leading to greater awareness about the issue and advocating for social change. Here are a few acid attack survivors who have made a huge impact on society:
1. Laxmi Agarwal
Impact:
Laxmi Agarwal is perhaps the most well-known acid attack survivor in India. In 2005, at the age of 15, she was attacked with acid by a man whose advances she had rejected. The attack left her with severe facial injuries, and it took years of surgeries and recovery.
Despite the horrific experience, Laxmi turned her trauma into a force for change. She became a vocal activist against acid attacks and worked to raise awareness about the issue. Laxmi was instrumental in the implementation of stricter acid sale regulations in India.
In 2014, Laxmi was the subject of the film “Chhapaak”, which depicted her journey of survival and advocacy. She continues to work with various NGOs to support and empower acid attack survivors. Her story has been a beacon of hope for many, showing that it’s possible to rise above such cruelty and use one’s voice for social change.
Awards/Recognition:
- National Award for Bravery by the Indian Government
- Padma Shri Award for Social Work
2. Reshma Quereshi
Impact:
Reshma Quereshi, another remarkable acid attack survivor from India, was attacked by her brother-in-law in 2004 when she was just 17 years old. The attack left her with severe facial injuries, but Reshma turned her trauma into an opportunity to speak out.
Reshma became an advocate for acid attack survivors and worked with NGOs to bring about social change. She is also recognized for her work with Make Love Not Scars, an organization that helps acid attack survivors with legal and medical assistance, as well as rehabilitation.
In 2016, Reshma became a model and walked the ramp at New York Fashion Week for the brand FTL Moda, breaking stereotypes about beauty and body image. She has been a fierce advocate for stricter laws around acid sales and greater support for survivors.
Awards/Recognition:
- Featured in Vogue India and other major publications
- Worked as an ambassador for Make Love Not Scars
3. Shabnam Kausar
Impact:
Shabnam Kausar is a Pakistani acid attack survivor who became a powerful advocate for justice. In 2002, her husband attacked her with acid after she filed for divorce. The attack caused extensive burns on her face and body.
Despite the severe physical and emotional trauma, Shabnam has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about acid attacks and violence against women. She is the founder of the Shabnam Foundation, which helps survivors of acid attacks with medical and legal aid.
Shabnam’s advocacy led to the implementation of stricter laws in Pakistan regarding acid attacks, and she continues to raise awareness about the need for justice and protection for women.
Impact:
Her efforts contributed to the passage of Pakistan’s Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Bill, which mandates life sentences for acid attackers.
4. Kirsti Bertarelli (Former Miss UK)
Impact:
Kirsti Bertarelli, a former beauty queen from the UK, was attacked in 2009, and this motivated her to start working towards the rehabilitation of survivors. She is the founder of the Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTI), an organization that works globally to support acid attack survivors and campaigns to reduce the prevalence of acid attacks.
Under her leadership, ASTI has provided survivors with medical support, legal aid, and psycho-social counseling. She also advocates for stronger laws regarding the sale and use of acid, and her work has been crucial in promoting legislative changes in several countries.
Her work in this area has helped many survivors get back on their feet and reintegrate into society.
5. Ayesha
Impact:
Ayesha, an acid attack survivor from Pakistan, turned her experience into a mission of empowerment. After suffering a brutal attack by her husband, which disfigured her face and body, Ayesha began working with the Acid Survivors Foundation.
She has become an advocate for the empowerment of women and has helped acid attack survivors by providing them with legal assistance and counseling. Her story also highlights the issue of domestic violence and the role of societal attitudes in perpetuating violence against women.
Ayesha has appeared on various media platforms, sharing her story of survival and calling for stricter laws against acid attacks and greater protections for women.
6. Vikram Singh
Impact:
Vikram Singh is one of the rare male acid attack survivors, which highlights the gender–neutral nature of the crime. Vikram was attacked in 2009 by a group of men who threw acid at him due to a personal dispute.
Despite suffering extensive injuries, Vikram has turned his story of pain into a force for change. He has been actively involved in working with various NGOs to help survivors and bring attention to the need for justice for acid attack victims, regardless of gender.
Vikram has shared his journey with the world through public speaking and media interviews, where he calls for greater social awareness and reform in legal systems regarding acid attacks.
7. Rupa
Impact:
Rupa is another acid attack survivor who has made an impact through her resilience and advocacy. In 2009, she was attacked by a man who had been stalking her. Rupa lost her vision and suffered severe burns, but her determination never wavered.
Rupa became an advocate for women’s rights and worked with various organizations that support acid attack survivors. She focused on empowerment through education and ensured that survivors of such attacks received the necessary medical treatment and legal aid.
8. Monica Singh
Impact:
Monica Singh, an acid attack survivor from India, was attacked in 2000 by a man who was angered by her refusal to marry him. The attack left her severely disfigured, but she refused to be defined by her scars.
Monica moved to the United States, where she pursued higher education and became an advocate for acid attack survivors. She works with the Acid Survivors Foundation of India and Make Love Not Scars.
Monica’s advocacy has led to a global movement for the rights of acid attack survivors, and she continues to speak at international platforms, urging for stricter laws and better treatment options for survivors.
9. Turkish Survivor: Canan
Impact:
Canan, a Turkish acid attack survivor, was targeted by her husband after a domestic dispute. After undergoing painful reconstructive surgeries and recovery, Canan became an activist and a public speaker.
She works with various charities and legal organizations that provide support to women who have been victims of acid violence. She is also involved in campaigns to regulate acid sales and raise awareness about the issue, focusing on providing education and legal aid for survivors.
10. Fayaza
Impact:
Fayaza was an acid attack survivor from Bangladesh who was severely injured by a group of men who disfigured her face. Despite the trauma, she decided to empower other survivors by opening a shelter that provided medical, financial, and emotional assistance.
Fayaza also worked with UN Women to help raise awareness about acid attacks and the need for gender equality and protection of women’s rights. She has been an advocate for survivors’ legal rights and mental health care, helping them overcome the stigma and reintegrate into society.
Conclusion:
These acid attack survivors exemplify incredible courage and strength. Despite enduring extreme physical and emotional trauma, they have used their experiences to bring about change, raise awareness, and provide hope for others. Their advocacy has led to stricter laws, better medical care, empowerment programs, and widespread social change to combat this brutal form of violence. Their stories remind us of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of standing up for justice, equality, and dignity.
