The Scars On Their Faces Couldn't Crush Their Spirit, These Acid Attack Survivors Need Support

They said ‘NO’. They dared to say ‘NO’ - to their abusive family members, boyfriends, stalkers, or even the local goon. And so they were attacked with acid. Their flesh burned as they cried out in pain and now they are forced to live the rest of their lives with a painful reminder of what happened on the fateful day.

I wanted to help many more like me - I knew that was the purpose of my life 

An acid attack in 2009 changed Shaheen’s life forever. At that time, she was pursuing her MBA and was working as a student counsellor. The attack, understandably, shook her to the core. For months together, she couldn’t muster up the courage to go out of her house and face the world.  

“I lost one of my eyes to the attack and I can barely see with the other one. My whole body is covered with scars and I have to be on medicines all my life. But the pain is not just physical. The mental trauma and the fear that these incidents create - it is very hard to overcome. I know that from my personal experience and so I wanted to empower many more like me,” - Shaheen Malik, Founder. 

Shaheen provides various support to the survivors like therapy and counselling sessions, skill development sessions to help the survivors get jobs.  She also started ‘Apna Ghar‘ to rehabilitate the acid attack victims which was inaugurated in October 2021. Shaheen has touched the lives of hundreds of survivors who had no one to support them in their journey. She has given them a platform where they can share their stories, she has given them the respect that society had taken away from them. 

Shaheen needs your support to give many more ‘brave souls’ a better life  

As per NCRB data, in the last 6 years, there have been 1300+ acid attacks that have been reported in the country. Human rights activists, lawyers and other experts in this field hold the opinion that the actual number is way higher and unfortunately, a large part of these attacks are carried out by a person known to the survivor. 

“The situation is grim and whatever we do is not enough. I want to support many more in need, give them hope and strength to live a better life. Please help me.” 

You can join hands with Shaheen and donate groceries, medicines and hygiene products for the residents of Apna Ghar and many more in need. Your donations will save a life.